The Blood of Youth Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Blood of Youth Synopsis

Xiao Se is a stingy boss who wears a luxurious coat but has no money for the maintenance of the inn. Lei Wujie is a disciple of the Lei Sect and a newcomer to Jianghu. They meet at Xue Luo City, and then they enter Jianghu together.

On their way, they befriend Wu Xin, Qianluo, Tang Lian, and Ye Ruoyi, they also accidentally get involved in the disputes between Jianghu and the court.

Gradually, they discover that the matter is inextricably linked to Xiao Se.

During the course of their journey, they seize the golden coffin, break a death trap, search for an overseas immortal mountain, and so on. Xiao Se's identity is gradually revealed, and it turns out that all this is related to the struggle for the throne 12 years ago.

In the end, with the joint efforts of the youngsters, they shatter the intrigues in the imperial city and uncover the truth that was 12 years late ......

The Blood of Youth Recap

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During the chaotic era, Emperor Tianwu, Xiao Yi, rose with his sword and founded the Northern Li Kingdom. The nation endured for over two hundred years, reaching its peak under Emperor Mingde's reign, where the country was strong and admired by all surrounding states. Emperor Mingde had a son named Xiao Chuhe, the sixth in line, a prodigious talent and the best candidate for crown prince.

However, four years prior, Emperor Mingde’s brother, Lord Langya, was accused of treason and sentenced to death. Xiao Chuhe pleaded for him in court, enraging the emperor, and was demoted to commoner status and exiled to Qingzhou. Now the position of crown prince remains undecided, and the rest of the imperial sons are embroiled in power struggles, destabilizing the court and unsettling the realm. As for Xiao Chuhe, who was exiled, he had long changed his name to Xiao Se.

The world is unaware of his whereabouts, but in truth, he lives in seclusion on the frontier, running a place called Snowfall Villa, which serves as a must-stop inn for travelers. However, in recent months, guests had stopped coming to Snowfall Villa, even wages became tight, and the staff suggested the inn needed renovation. Xiao Se refused firmly, simply because he couldn't afford it. He sat alone by the window watching the snowfall, sighing deeply in a truly desolate scene.

Just as Xiao Se was considering selling the inn, a flamboyantly dressed young man in bright red suddenly arrived, shining like the blazing sun and radiating the heat of wealth. Xiao Se quickly got up to greet him with a cupped fist, but the youth ignored him completely, walked past, sat at a table, and boldly ordered a bowl of plain noodles and the cheapest wine. Already in a bad mood, Xiao Se was thoroughly unimpressed by him.

Then, dozens of rugged, bandit-like men appeared at Snowfall Villa. Though the red-clad youth seemed stingy, at least he paid for his food, unlike the bandits who clearly came to stir up trouble. Before Xiao Se could act, the youth introduced himself as Lei Wujie from the Lei Clan Fortress, an unknown figure in the martial world who firmly believed he would eventually become famous.

Naturally, the bandits dismissed him as a naive rookie, but the youth astonishingly defeated them all. Sparks flew and blades clashed as the bandits fled in panic, leaving the inn in ruins with tables blown to pieces. Xiao Se demanded compensation to no avail. Upon hearing that Lei Wujie was heading to Xueyue City and remembering that he had the same destination, Xiao Se proposed they travel together.

In the autumn of the twentieth year of the Mingde era, the abbot Wang You of Hanshui Temple passed away. Tang Lian, the top disciple of Xueyue City, was ordered to escort the golden coffin to Biluo City. Along the way, he faced numerous martial artists trying to intercept him, but he dispatched them with ease. On a snowy night, while passing an abandoned temple, Tang Lian encountered a white-haired man wielding a jade sword and possessing exquisite qinggong skills.

At that moment, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie entered from outside. Tang Lian quickly extinguished the fire and hid in a corner to observe them. Lei Wujie, unaware of the situation, chattered away while warming himself by the fire. Soon after, he smelled the fragrance of roses. A man and a woman appeared at the door—the man was tall and expressionless, wielding a blade; the woman was alluring and seductive, smiling subtly.

They were Moon Ji and Lord Ming, tied for ninth on the League of Assassins. It was said that Moon Ji delivered the death invitation with a smile, and Lord Ming followed with a fatal strike. Those who received their death note invariably died. Lei Wujie felt no fear, but rather excitement. Tang Lian, seeing his foolishness, intervened, landing between Lei Wujie and Moon Ji.

Unfortunately, Tang Lian had yet to recover from an old injury and was no match for Lord Ming. Moon Ji revealed her Shuyi Sword and pressed forward using her Shadow Mimic Technique. Lei Wujie finally realized the dire situation and transformed into Red Hair, unleashing the Lei Clan Fortress's Fiery Scorching Technique. Just as he was about to display his might, Moon Ji and Lord Ming suddenly retreated as if following an order.

Xiao Se leaned lazily against the window, watching the scene until it ended, mocking Lei Wujie’s youthful recklessness—challenging Lord Ming knowing he was no match. Sikong Qianluo sneaked out only to be caught by Tang Lian, who wanted to report to their third master, angering her. She mounted her horse and rode off.

The next morning, the red-clad youth drove the carriage through wind and snow while Xiao Se and Tang Lian sat inside, ignoring his silly chatter and discussing the golden coffin. Rumor had it that the coffin contained immense wealth or martial arts secrets capable of dominating the world. But to Xiao Se, it most likely held the corpse of Master Wang You.

Upon reaching Sangu City, a must-pass en route to Biluo City, they found it had grown from a small village into a commercial city due to its location on the border and open trade policies. The liveliest place in the city was Belle's Manor, filled with beautiful women and wealthy patrons splurging freely—truly a den of luxury. The owner of Belle’s Manor, Fairy Rui, was breathtakingly beautiful.

Her red ribbons always arrived before she did, flower petals fluttered through the air—an impressive sight. Fairy Rui was the Xueyue City contact here and also Tang Lian’s confidante. To outsiders, she appeared to flirt playfully with Tang Lian, but in truth, she was passing on critical intelligence. Xiao Se watched calmly until Fairy Rui let go of Tang Lian and turned to ask if he was willing to gamble—trading Snowfall Villa for ten baskets of pearls.

Fairy Rui ordered the place cleared, angering a merchant in a golden robe who was almost killed by her blade. Her actions silenced the crowd, asserting her dominance and warning that Xiao Se’s gamble wasn’t just for pearls—it was a real life-and-death wager.

Merchants and their attendants gradually left, leaving only a few in Belle’s Manor, including representatives from Wushuang City and the Demon Sect. Tang Lian spotted the white-haired man again. His martial arts and sword skills were astonishing—even Lu Yuzhai from Wushuang City was in awe and knew he was no match. Xiao Se suddenly invited the white-haired man to join the life-and-death gamble. The man agreed and summoned a dice cup from a distance like a magic trick.

The three dice instantly turned to dust—there wasn’t a single number left to see. But Xiao Se wasn’t surprised. As the dust settled, the dots of the three dice reappeared on the table in their proper arrangement. The man was stunned by the result, and Xiao Se exposed his identity. When “Tianwaitian, White-Haired Deity” was announced, the crowd was shocked—it turned out the white-haired man was Mo Qixuan, a protector of the Demon Sect.

In martial arts, there are nine ranks, and above them are four realms: Mortal Vajra Realm, Ground of Freedom Realm, Immortal Serenity Realm, and the legendary Divine Trance Realm. Mo Qixuan had already reached the Divine Trance Realm, making him one of the top masters in the martial world. Out of respect for Tang Lian and Lu Yuzhai as old acquaintances, White-Haired Deity held back in their duel.

Then a youth appeared carrying the Wushuang Sword Box—he was none other than the young lord of Wushuang City, Wushuang. While Mo Qixuan suppressed the sword box’s power and fled, Wushuang chased after him. Lu Yuzhai quickly sent people to retrieve the young lord. A group of black-clad men approached the carriage but were blocked by Tang Lian. Lei Wujie helped and saw a lotus rise behind them, which then exploded in the air. All the black-clad men vanished.

Lei Wujie looked up at the full moon, puzzled. Tang Lian realized something was wrong—they had fallen into the Illusory Void Formation, a dream-like trap where nothing was real. Although Lei Wujie had great talent and could dispel the surrounding evil energy, his willpower was weak. As flute music played, Tang Lian had to rely on sound to locate enemies and couldn’t spare any thought for breaking the formation.

Fortunately, Sikong Qianluo attacked the flutist in time, and once the music stopped, the formation dissolved. Now both Wushuang City and the Demon Sect sought the golden coffin. Lord Ming also wanted answers from it. Xiao Se revealed Lord Ming’s origin. Thirteen years ago, the Wangyi Tower was destroyed. The tower master’s eldest son, Xie Liuyi, barely survived but lost all memory. He became a killer under the Elder of Tianquan and took the name Lord Ming.

While Moon Ji fought Tang Lian to keep him occupied, Lord Ming opened the golden coffin. Everyone looked toward it. A pale hand reached out first, followed by a man who resembled a monk but had no monk scars. His demeanor was noble and ethereal, his appearance extremely handsome. Lord Ming recognized the monk and showed him deep respect. A single glance into his eyes revealed past memories and brought the answers he sought.

But that glance contorted Lord Ming’s expression with fear and rage. When Moon Ji tried to stab the monk, Lord Ming stopped her. After his frightful expression faded, he left Belle’s Manor with Moon Ji. Tang Lian and Lei Wujie, still on guard, locked eyes with the monk. That brief moment stirred something inside them. Just then, the monk Wuchan of Jiulong Sect rushed to the monk’s side and sealed his acupuncture points.

The monk closed his eyes and collapsed in Wuchan’s arms. They all set off together toward Xueyue City. Through conversation with Wuchan, they learned the monk’s name was Wu Xin, the secular disciple of Master Wang You. Wu Xin was a martial prodigy, reaching the Ground of Freedom Realm at a young age. He later mastered the thirty-two forbidden techniques of the Rakshasa Hall and could use heart demons to invoke others’ inner demons.

Originally, Master Dajue wanted to use a demon-subduing technique to purge the forbidden arts from Wu Xin. But if it worked, Wu Xin would likely become a cripple. Upon learning this, Wu Xin used a tortoise breath technique to enter a death-like state in the golden coffin, offering no resistance. Tang Lian suspected the Demon Sect wanted Wu Xin for his forbidden techniques.

As they spoke, White-Haired Deity returned and easily fended off everyone, even rendering Lei Wujie’s Killing Terror Sword useless. He gazed at Wu Xin, lying on a wooden couch, and lamented how alike he looked. The others were confused by his words. Tang Lian, enduring his injuries, stopped him from taking Wu Xin, when suddenly he heard Wu Xin’s voice in his mind.

Wu Xin remained motionless with closed eyes, but his palm pressed against Tang Lian’s back, secretly transferring inner energy. Following Wu Xin’s instructions, Tang Lian unleashed the move “Ten Thousand Blossoms in the Wind,” sending all his hidden weapons at White-Haired Deity, catching him off guard. In the end, unable to withstand the attack, White-Haired Deity fell off a cliff—while Wu Xin opened his eyes and slowly stood up.

Wu Xin stood up and walked straight toward Xiao Se. His gaze swept past Lei Wujie, and he noticed that Lei had a naturally pure heart, immune to the influence of heart demons. When Wu Xin invited Xiao Se to travel together, Xiao Se responded coldly and bluntly. But Wu Xin paid no mind to his refusal; he grabbed both their shoulders and, using lightness skill, vanished with Xiao Se and Lei Wujie before the eyes of everyone present.

In the martial world, Ji Ruofeng, the chronicler of Jianghu, paid tribute to his old friend Wang You, lamenting that this eminent monk eventually met his doom—all because of Wu Xin, perhaps a fate destined by heaven. As he finished speaking, Ji Ruofeng received news that Prince Yong’an, Xiao Chuhe, now going by the alias Xiao Se, had passed through Belle’s Manor and been taken away by Ye Anshi.

Ji Ruofeng pondered for a moment, thinking it might be time to meet this disciple of his in person. Lei Wujie felt like he had become a hostage, repeatedly plotting to escape but always failing, drawing mockery from Xiao Se. Xiao Se never imagined that the renowned Lei Hong would have such a blockheaded disciple.

After all, when Lei Hong was young, he managed to restore the Fire Burn Technique using only a fragmentary manual, and at his peak, his reputation far surpassed that of the sect leader Lei Qianhu. However, the ancestors of the Lei Clan had vowed to abandon the most commonly used weapons of the martial world and focused entirely on the development of firearms.

Yet Lei Hong defied this creed, training in swordsmanship and forging a terrifying sword by combining it with Lei Clan gunpowder. It was said that whenever the Terror Sword was unsheathed, thunder would roar, and flames would blaze across the sky. With this sword, Lei Hong roamed the martial world until he was finally defeated by the Snow Moon Sword Immortal Li Hanyi, after which he disappeared without a trace.

The outside world speculated endlessly—some said Lei Hong had returned to Lei Fortress for closed-door cultivation, vowing never to emerge unless he surpassed the Sword Immortal; others claimed he had been expelled from the Lei Clan for violating ancestral teachings. Lei Wujie, upon hearing all this, could no longer sit still. Just as he was lamenting the injustice faced by his master Lei Hong, he suddenly remembered that he had left the Terror Sword on the roadside.

Xiao Se could only shake his head in exasperation, sighing repeatedly at Lei Hong’s misfortune in taking on such a clumsy disciple. Meanwhile, Wu Xin was seated calmly in the river, regulating his breathing, with memories of the past—his father’s murder, the bond with his master—entwining within his heart. Before long, Xiao Se saw Wu Xin, neatly dressed, standing alone by the riverside gazing into the distance.

Xiao Se was suddenly reminded of a book describing an immortal walking through mist and clouds, clothed in white—very much like Wu Xin at that moment. Lei Wujie agreed at once, noting how Wu Xin had carried them swiftly all this way without any sign of fatigue. If he wasn’t an immortal, how could he possess such otherworldly abilities? At this moment, Wu Xin approached the two.

Upon hearing that Lei Wujie was seriously injured, he lifted him and soared deep into the river. Walking on the waves as if on solid ground, he stopped at the center of the river. Lei Wujie felt a surge of inner energy pass from Wu Xin’s palm into his body. Listening to the sounds of the wind and water, a deep tranquility washed over him.

Then the river began to swirl into a massive vortex, surrounding them until his injuries were fully healed. Fairy Rui finished applying medicine to Tang Lian’s wounds and then entered the main hall. From Monk Wuchan’s account, she finally learned that Wu Xin was actually the Young Lord of the Tianwaitian Sect, also known as the Demon Sect.

Twelve years ago, the Grand Lord Ye Dingzhi had led the sect to launch a war, but he was defeated and killed, leaving behind a son, Ye Anshi. Tianwaitian signed the “Lock Mountains and Rivers Pact” with the Central Plains, handing over Ye Anshi as a hostage. He was renamed Wu Xin, with the promise that Tianwaitian would not step into the Central Plains for twelve years. Now, the twelve-year pact had reached its end.

Tianwaitian wanted to retrieve their young lord Wu Xin, but Wu Xin refused to leave with the White-Haired Deity. Instead, he insisted on taking Xiao Se and Lei Wujie with him to Dafanyin Temple. All of this could be summed up in one word: “Money. ” The saying goes, with money you can travel the world; without it, you can’t move an inch. Wu Xin saw Xiao Se as his money bag.

Unfortunately, the money bag was flat broke, and in the end, had to sell a thousand-gold fur coat just to get ten taels of silver. In truth, Xiao Se had already guessed Wu Xin’s identity. Since Wu Xin didn’t wish to reveal it, Xiao Se saw no need to expose him. After a hearty meal and drink, the three unexpectedly ran into infamous bandits. At the bandit leader’s order, Lei Wujie was surrounded and attacked.

Just as he was about to cry for help, he found that Wu Xin and Xiao Se had already vanished without a trace. When Lei Wujie awoke, he discovered he was imprisoned in a dungeon, where he encountered a mysterious man in the next cell. They shared a drink together. The man boldly declared his intention to become emperor. Lei Wujie paid him no mind, thinking he was just drunk and rambling.

Little did he know, this man was actually Lord Chi, Xiao Yu—the younger brother of Xiao Se and Wu Xin’s half-brother (same mother, different father). As Xiao Yu had predicted, Xiao Se and Wu Xin would return to the camp to rescue Lei Wujie. The two captured a bandit and interrogated him for the dungeon’s location.

Unable to endure the torture, the bandit revealed everything about the camp, including the presence of a mysterious man whom the bandit chief respectfully addressed as “young master. ” When Xiao Se infiltrated the dungeon, Xiao Yu had already left. He had deduced the visitor’s identity from the wine. Later, when Xiao Yu realized Wu Xin was coming to break Lei Wujie out, a thunderous explosion rang outside.

Lei Wujie had thrown several explosives to create chaos and escaped the camp with Wu Xin and Xiao Se on horseback. Using the bandits' hands, they cleaned up their pursuers.

In the desolate wilderness, it was hard to discern directions. Only a lone inn stood with barely any trace of people. Xiao Se saw the mark left by his master Bai Xiaosheng on the table and realized that he had arrived in Beili. Years ago, Xiao Se had pleaded for Lord Langya Xiao Ruofeng but was instead expelled from Tianqi by the emperor Xiao Ruojin. On his journey, he was ambushed by the Wrathful Sword Immortal Yan Zhantian.

When he woke up, he found his hidden meridians completely destroyed. Though his internal strength remained, he could no longer use it and was left only with his qinggong. Over the years, Xiao Se had been investigating the one who had secretly harmed him and gravely injured his master. Yet his master Ji Ruofeng, despite knowing the culprit's identity, refused to tell the truth, instead urging him to let it go. That night, Xiao Se met with Ji Ruofeng.

The two had conflicting views, and Ji Ruofeng handed over the Wujigun to Xiao Se, hoping he could regain his strength and return to being the former Prince of Yong'an, Xiao Chuhe. Xiao Se confessed to his master that he had gotten lost, only to discover they had accidentally entered Muliang City—an illustrious city renowned in the martial world.

Muliang City's fame rivaled that of Northern Tianqi, Southern Xueyue, and Eastern Wushuang, all thanks to the strongest among the Five Great Sword Immortals—Luo Qingyang. The world knew him as the one who wielded the Nine Songs Sword and meditated in seclusion in Muliang City to cultivate his swordsmanship. With just one man and one sword, he traversed the world freely. In the past, whenever Lei Wujie talked about martial arts masters, Xiao Se always responded indifferently.

But at the mention of Luo Qingyang's name, his expression became complicated and grave. Wu Xin noticed Xiao Se’s unusual demeanor and stopped Lei Wujie from continuing. Lei Wujie wanted to go see Muliang City for himself, but Xiao Se strongly opposed, so he had no choice but to go alone. A carriage raced through the dense forest, heading straight for Jiulong Gate. Leading the ride was the monk Wuchan, with Sikong Qianluo sitting beside him.

Inside the carriage, Fairy Rui teased Tang Lian with all sorts of seductive gestures, eventually toppling him over. Just as the two drew closer and closer, Sikong Qianluo suddenly spoke, disrupting the atmosphere. Tang Lian instantly stood up, overwhelmed with embarrassment. Since Xiao Chuhe had been demoted to a commoner, the position of crown prince remained unconfirmed. Lord Chi Xiao Yu and Lord Bai Xiao Chong had each been growing their power in the martial world.

Backing Xiao Chong was Sword Immortal Yan Zhantian, while Xiao Yu had the Lone Sword Immortal Luo Qingyang. Xiao Yu arranged a meeting with Prince Ao Yu of the South Jue Kingdom. Ao Yu sent his trusted guard Fu Hengxing in his place—who happened to encounter Lei Wujie. Wu Xin heard the sound of explosions outside and judged by direction that Lei Wujie was in danger. Xiao Se turned a deaf ear, clearly showing no intention to intervene.

Wu Xin thus concluded that Xiao Se feared Luo Qingyang. Ever since he was a child, Wu Xin had heard of a martial prodigy who broke into the Free Realm at the age of thirteen and entered the Carefree Heaven Realm at seventeen. That person was Bai Xiaosheng's disciple, the sixth prince of Beili—Xiao Chuhe.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Se retorted sharply, exposing Wu Xin's connection to Ye Dingzhi and pointing out that Ye Dingzhi had poor judgment in friends, eventually ending up betrayed by Wang Rensun. Sure enough, Wu Xin was enraged and struck Xiao Se with a punch. After calming down, he decided to go rescue Lei Wujie. Thus, Xiao Se followed the sounds and found Lei Wujie, recognizing Fu Hengxing.

Since Xiao Se’s martial arts were now useless, he was no match for Fu Hengxing. At the critical moment, Wu Xin appeared and drove them off. After this incident, the relationship between Wu Xin and Xiao Se grew closer. Xiao Se also realized that although Wu Xin appeared kind and was born into the Buddhist sect, he was actually quite cunning.

Grand Chamberlain Jin Xian specially reported to the emperor that the White-Haired Deity had appeared in the Central Plains and then began to trace Wu Xin’s whereabouts, leading disciples to arrive in the Kingdom of Yu. The disciples were curious how their master knew Wu Xin would come here. Jin Xian thought of Wang Rensun and became certain. Meanwhile, Wu Xin entered the city, surveying his surroundings.

His eyes settled on a man who looked like a monk but had no tonsure marks. The man was clutching a wine jar, dead drunk. Noticing a golden glow in the distance, Wu Xin instantly used qinggong to dash toward it. Inside the Great Brahma Temple, three monks stood before the main hall. The leading monk, Venerable Falan, remained silent throughout. No matter what questions Jin Xian asked, he simply shook his head.

Beside Falan were two martial monks—one twirling prayer beads, the other wielding a precept knife—both glaring angrily, ready to strike at any moment. Before they could make a move, Wang Rensun descended from the sky, snatching the precept knife and preparing to launch a killing spree. The disciples were no match for him. Jin Xian stepped out from the palanquin, clearly familiar with Wang Rensun.

Xiao Se and the others were hiding not far away, and their discussion drew Jin Xian’s attention. Wu Xin had no choice but to reveal himself, politely refusing Jin Xian's invitation and engaging in a duel. Jin Xian's real name was Shen Jingzhou. In his childhood, he experienced a family tragedy and witnessed his father’s brutal death.

Known for his mastery of the Wind and Snow Sword, he challenged the martial world and became one of the five great eunuchs in the Beili imperial palace, holding immense power. Wu Xin used the Great Soul Search Hand against Jin Xian. A white shadow flashed before him, and Jin Xian, under the influence of inner demons, saw his father’s death scene again. He hurriedly shut his eyes to avoid falling into the illusion.

In an instant, Wu Xin pressed his palms together, and a massive bronze bell illusion appeared around him. Jin Xian halted his sword and asked whether he was willing to return to the palace with him. Once Wu Xin gave a firm no, Jin Xian’s gaze gradually cleared, the illusions vanished, and a frost-like sword strike slashed straight toward Wushuang.

Frosty mist twisted like a dragon around Wu Xin, making it hard for him to break free. Wang Rensun swung his blade at Jin Xian, but times had changed. Now fully mastered in his cultivation, Jin Xian paid him no mind. Sensing someone behind him, Jin Xian turned to see Xiao Se, deliberately leaving behind two cryptic lines of poetry and reminding Wu Xin that he could not escape his fate.

Once Jin Xian departed in his carriage, Wu Xin approached Wang Rensun and brought up the incident from twelve years ago. Ever since the death of Ye Dingzhi, Wang Rensun had been tormented by guilt and offered his life in penance, presenting his ringed saber with both hands. Wu Xin touched the hilt but did not draw the blade, vaguely recalling his master’s teachings—when karma ends, so must entanglements.

He chose not to pursue Wang Rensun’s betrayal and instead asked him to perform a memorial service for Wangyou in his stead. Wang Rensun was no ordained monk, so the specific arrangements would need to be handled by Elder Falan. Still, he promised to personally lead the service, arranging for three hundred monks to chant sutras. After receiving Elder Falan’s permission, Wu Xin warned Wang Rensun not to repeat his past mistakes.

Once the ritual concluded in three days, all debts would be cleared. With these words said, Wu Xin suddenly urged Xiao Se and Lei Wujie to bring the money and follow him, prompting Xiao Se to curse in reluctant frustration. That night, the three rested at an abandoned temple outside the mountain. Wu Xin personally cooked for Xiao Se and Lei Wujie, and in a quiet moment, reminisced about his master, Wangyou, recounting his life story.

Wangyou once said that in this world, only two types of people were immune to inner demons: those born with a pure, untouched heart, and those whose minds were too deep and complex to be understood, even by themselves. Wu Xin saw both qualities in Xiao Se and Lei Wujie, and the idea of passing down his martial arts legacy was born.

Lei Wujie, catching the subtle smile and composed demeanor of a true master in Wu Xin’s speech, was immediately intrigued. Wu Xin taught Lei Wujie a set of punches—though the name of the technique was questionable, its moves were surprisingly sophisticated. Then he turned to Xiao Se, his eyes glowing more enchantingly than ever, and declared that he would teach him the art of guiding inner demons. Atop Cang Mountain, a pavilion marked the boundary.

Li Hanyi stood beneath the eaves, while Baili Dongjun sat inside with a black-and-white chessboard, chatting endlessly about the recent upheavals in the martial world. The young heir of the Demon Sect now concerned the entire Central Plains, especially since he had mastered all the techniques from the Rakshasa Hall. Whether it was the imperial court of Tianqi or the various sects, none could ignore the threat.

Li Hanyi believed someone should step forward to ease the troubles surrounding Tang Lian, but Baili Dongjun relayed the orders from the head of the sect word for word. In truth, the message was simple: twelve years ago, when the Demon Sect invaded from the east, Xueyue City did not fear them; now, twelve years later, the young master has returned, and they still do not fear.

The younger generation needed more experience, while the older generation should stay in the shadows, ready to lend a hand only if absolutely necessary. Tang Lian, accompanied by Sikong Qianluo and others, arrived at the Nine Dragon Gate and truthfully reported the situation to Master Dajue, seeking counsel. Baili Dongjun had sent Tang Lian a four-character message: “Act with your heart. ” Though simple, it left Tang Lian troubled.

Having grown up in the strictly regulated Tang Clan, where one only needed to complete assigned missions, he found the idea of following one’s heart or fate difficult to grasp. Since Xueyue City had not issued a death warrant, it meant Wu Xin’s crime did not warrant death. Tang Lian, too, realized that Wu Xin was not truly evil. Fairy Rui comforted Tang Lian, telling him not to overthink.

She then mentioned that she would return to Sangu City the next day and kissed him before leaving, blushing as she turned away. Three days later, just before dawn, everyone gathered at the Grand Brahma Temple. Sutra chanting echoed throughout the hall. Wu Xin stood solemnly, holding a relic which he placed on the altar before pressing his palms together and closing his eyes.

As the chanting continued, the relic emitted a golden glow, and within the illusion, the figure of Master Wangyou appeared. Seeing this, Wu Xin knelt and wept uncontrollably. Wangyou advised him to return to his homeland and stay away from worldly conflict. But Wu Xin, like a stubborn child, insisted that the Cold Mountain Temple was his home, and leaving it would leave him lost. Wangyou sighed, telling him to move forward and never look back. Even if the world saw him as the spark that would overthrow the order, as long as he kept his heart pure, he had nothing to fear.

Master Wangyou urged Wu Xin to rely on himself and move forward, no matter what choices he made. He must always remember his true heart and never look back. With those final words, Wangyou's figure faded into nothingness. Tang Lian and his companions arrived at the foot of the mountain on horseback, witnessing a radiant golden light from the Grand Brahma Temple—the sign of the Buddhist sixth divine power: "Exhausting All Desires.

" Though the body dies, the spirit remains until the last worldly attachment vanishes. When Wu Xin emerged from the temple, he swept his robe and regained his composed and elegant demeanor, as if he had completely forgotten about sobbing on the ground like a child moments earlier. Xiao Se and Lei Wujie believed Master Wangyou had mastered the profound mysteries of Buddhism, but had overlooked one thing: the road ahead, which they would now walk with Wu Xin.

The three walked out of the temple shoulder to shoulder. One wore red, brighter than snow, with a clear gaze; another, dressed in white, smiled faintly; the last was pondering how to redeem his thousand-gold coat. Outside the temple, six black-clad swordsmen stood in formation. Master Dajue sat cross-legged at the head, eyes closed and silent, until Lei Wujie introduced himself a fourth time.

Xiao Se and Wu Xin calmly watched, discussing how Lei Wujie might break the formation—but before they finished, the six had formed the Arhat Formation. Sensing the change, Wu Xin quickly pulled Lei Wujie out. Lei Wujie blinked and found himself beside Xiao Se—the person now in the center of the formation was Wu Xin. Master Dajue finally spoke to Wu Xin, still not opening his eyes.

Wu Xin conjured a vajra bell to trap the six, and within moments, their screams echoed. If the illusion did not break soon, they would certainly die. Master Dajue, having mastered the Diamond Body, opened his fierce eyes and struck at Wu Xin with the fully-powered Great Tathagata Palm. Tang Lian hesitated at the doorway, unsure how to act. Fortunately, Wang Rensun enlightened him, helping him see his true intentions.

Just as Master Dajue was about to kill Wu Xin, Tang Lian intervened. But the master, overcome by madness, lost his usually kind expression and struck ruthlessly, overwhelming everyone present. Seizing the moment, Wu Xin used a technique akin to the Art of Dissolving Power and abolished his own cultivation, naming it “Compassion for All. ” Master Dajue regained clarity and came to his senses, choosing to let go of past grudges and departing slowly with his disciples.

Yet no sooner had this conflict ended than Wushuang City came to stir up trouble, led by Lu Yuzhai and Wushuang. As Wushuang called out the names of her swords, four blades flew toward Tang Lian’s group, entangling them in battle. Though Xiao Se could not use inner power, his mastery of lightfoot skills kept him unharmed. The others, however, were in danger.

Tang Lian, Sikong Qianluo, and Monk Wuchan were exhausted from battle; Wu Xin had lost his powers; even Lei Wujie was not confident in victory. Wu Xin stood frozen, repeating the phrase “A thought becomes a demon, a thought becomes a Buddha. ” Suddenly, he approached Xiao Se, who, through adversity, had awakened to the Six Divine Powers. Lei Wujie felt both envious and disheartened.

He had believed himself a young hero destined to conquer the martial world, only to realize there were always stronger opponents. Up until now, it had been understandable—after all, the likes of Lord Ming and Lady Yue were veteran warriors. Wu Xin was a rare martial genius, one in a hundred years. But now, even this youth before them could control five flying swords at once, leaving Tang Lian of Xueyue City at a loss.

Sensing Lei Wujie's discouragement, Xiao Se reminded him not to forget the Fire Burn Technique and assured him that the number one of their generation would emerge from among them. Due to Wu Xin’s severe injuries, he should not have continued fighting. Taking advantage of the moment, Wushuang launched another flurry of attacks. Xiao Se, seeing Wu Xin at his limit, muttered “not good” under his breath.

Lei Wujie rushed forward to shield Wu Xin, and it was this act that ultimately saved both their lives. Wushuang, impressed by Lei Wujie’s loyalty and righteousness, withdrew her swords and said she would not pursue the matter further today. She hoped Lei Wujie would one day become famous and come challenge her again. Lei Wujie agreed without hesitation. Wushuang closed her sword case and turned to look at her senior brother Lu Yuzhai, announcing a ceasefire.

But Lu Yuzhai refused to back down. At that critical moment, a black-gold spear descended from the sky, tearing through the heavens with a roar like a dragon’s cry or a tiger’s roar, signaling the arrival of someone extraordinary.

Martial artists throughout history loved bestowing grand titles. The ones they encountered before—Shen Jingzhou, the Sword of Wind and Snow, and Wang Ren, the Sky-Breaking Blade—could be considered top-tier experts. But those worthy of the “Immortal” title were nearly legendary figures.

Many have made it onto the weapon rankings, but there are only three Blade Immortals, five Sword Immortals, and only one Spear Immortal—none other than today’s greatest spear wielder, the Spear Immortal Sikong Changfeng, one of the Three Lords of Xueyue City. When Lu Yuzhai saw Sikong Changfeng, his arrogance vanished instantly. Even though Sikong Changfeng publicly rebuked and mocked him, he dared not speak out.

After the decline of Wushuang City, it was hard to find talent as outstanding as this youth—Wushuang himself. Admiring Wushuang for his virtue and cultivation, Sikong Changfeng refrained from killing Wu Xin and personally demonstrated how to control the Wushuang Sword Box, command twelve flying swords, and summon the Vermilion Bird of the Great Ming. Lei Wujie was dumbfounded by the display.

After the people of Wushuang City departed, Sikong Qianluo threw herself excitedly into her father’s arms and obediently admitted her fault. Sikong Changfeng couldn’t bear to scold her further. Tang Lian suggested that Sikong Qianluo return to Xueyue City with the Three Lords, but she insisted on staying by Tang Lian’s side. Just moments ago, Sikong Changfeng had been the strict father, yet he instantly became a doting dad—much to everyone’s surprise.

After handling family matters, Sikong Changfeng lowered his head to look at Wu Xin and loudly recited, “Respectfully send Ye Anshi back to the sect. ” The moment he said this, everyone was stunned. Before they could react, Sikong Changfeng repeated the phrase. It seemed he was honoring a pact, though the words carried an implicit threat. At his command, the White-Haired Deity slowly approached. Wu Xin had no choice.

Seeing Wu Xin about to be taken away, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie rushed to stop them. Twelve years ago, the Demon Sect and the Central Plains made a pact to seal off the world. Now that the twelve years had passed, Wu Xin was free once more. With the vast world before him, he should not be bound by anyone. Xiao Se hoped Wu Xin would follow his heart.

If he didn’t want to leave, Xiao Se had ways to help him stay in the Central Plains. The White-Haired Deity knelt first, declaring that the Central Plains sects were fragmented, while only the Tianwaitian Sect had remained whole—no one had ever left it. For twelve long years, they had waited bitterly for their Young Sect Leader’s return. In the end, Wu Xin bid farewell with a few brief words.

Then, leaping into the sky, he left behind a stirring poem. Xiao Se and Lei Wujie watched with sorrow, hoping to see him again someday. Inside the palace of Tianqi, Emperor Ming Dedi summoned the National Preceptor Qi Tianchen to play chess. When he brought up the matter of the hostage Wu Xin returning to the Demon Sect, Qi Tianchen thought it the best outcome.

Of all the laws in the world, only the balance of yin and yang is unbreakable. Yin and yang exist between heaven and earth, within the weave of black and white. Why cling to notions of good and evil, gain and loss? If sacrificing one hostage brings the people’s support, then it is a blessing for Beili. It was dusk.

With the sun setting in the west, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie traveled thousands of miles, their fine horses now exhausted. After bidding farewell to Wu Xin in the Kingdom of Yu, they once again set out for the long journey to Xueyue City. Armed with a map that might as well have been scripture to these two directionless travelers, they wandered for days before finally arriving at the mundane city of Fan City—Xueyue City’s colloquial name.

The city bustled with excitement as heroes from all directions gathered. Among them was Li Fansong, a young uncle-master from Wangcheng Mountain. He was so enraptured by the opera that he nearly forgot he was here to challenge a pavilion. While resting at a nearby inn, Lei Wujie learned from the innkeeper that Fan City wasn’t truly Xueyue City. Only by ascending the Heaven-Climbing Pavilion could one glimpse its true form, sparking his adventurous spirit.

Li Fansong, having inherited the true teachings of his grandmaster, mastered the art of observing auras. When he saw Lei Wujie flash by, he suddenly realized that this was a year of great talent. Lei Wujie quickly cut through obstacles, reaching the thirteenth level. The crowd was amazed. The pavilion master of the thirteenth floor, Luo Mingxuan, was the disciple of Elder Yin Luoxia and had inherited her notorious gambling addiction.

He could manipulate a single die to change to any number at will. Sensing danger, Lei Wujie hurriedly asked Xiao Se for help and learned the die’s secret. Using Xiao Se’s method, he easily defeated Luo Mingxuan, splitting the die in half with a higher number and passing the challenge. Luo Mingxuan, amused by Lei Wujie, offered friendship and shared stories about his eccentric female master.

Just then, Elder Yin Luoxia’s scolding voice rang out, scaring Lei Wujie into fleeing to the fourteenth floor. Hearing Li Fansong and Feixuan talking, Xiao Se learned they were members of Spider Web, a secret organization within Xueyue City, and invited them in for tea. When Sikong Qianluo heard someone had reached the fourteenth floor, she ran over out of curiosity.

Xiao Se stopped her from becoming an obstacle to Lei Wujie and used his lightness skills to spar with her. The master of the fourteenth floor was Senior Brother Tang Lian. He was puzzled why Lei Wujie, already a disciple of the Lei Clan, needed to go through all this trouble to join Xueyue City. Lei Wujie admitted he had made a promise to someone: only by ascending the Heaven-Climbing Pavilion could he see them again. Using his Flame-Burning Technique, he instantly broke through Tang Lian’s silk-blade array—said to be formidable, but easily snapped with a tug.

Though Xiao Se had lost all his martial skills, his lightness technique allowed him to go toe-to-toe with Sikong Qianluo—though he was ultimately subdued. At that moment, Lei Wujie had passed the fourteenth floor. Tang Lian gave him a bottle of Ice-Clear Water. It would freeze an ordinary person’s blood vessels, but Lei Wujie, having trained in fire, could protect his heart from harm. Jinxian came alone to see the National Preceptor, seeking insight into the future of the empire.

The Preceptor said the way of heaven cannot be spoken lightly, for the moment you understand it, it has already begun to change. It is a possibility, not a fixed answer, but people only want certainty. That’s why Xiao Se didn’t let Feixuan continue divining. Whatever the fate of the nation, he believed in himself, not heaven—believing man must triumph over fate.

That night, Xiao Se brought Lei Wujie to the Donggui Tavern, where they met Baili Dongjun and tasted the “Drunken Romance of Snow, Moon, and Flowers,” a drink that captured all the flavors of the world. Lei Wujie found it too mild, preferring the fiery old grain liquor. Yet after three cups, his Flame-Burning Technique broke through three major realms. According to Xiao Se, reaching that level would normally take at least three years of training.

Yet Lei Wujie achieved it in a single drunken night. Sikong Changfeng reminded Li Hanyi she should meet Lei Wujie and also mentioned that Zhao Yuzhen’s disciple had arrived in Xueyue City. Baili Dongjun, seeking the final ingredient to brew the memory-erasing Meng Po Soup, planned to head to an immortal island overseas and left the tavern to Xiao Se before departing. When Lei Wujie awoke, he intended to thank Baili Dongjun, only to learn he had already left.

Xiao Se took him to eat instead. Knowing they would soon part ways, he personally treated Lei Wujie to a meal. Over this time, the two had formed a strong friendship—but when Xiao Se mentioned the 800 taels debt again, Lei Wujie’s gloom instantly vanished. Lei Wujie continued his challenge and was shocked to discover that the elder guarding the fifteenth floor was his uncle-master Lei Yunhe.

After being defeated by Zhao Yuzhen, Lei Yunhe lost his right arm and his standing, disappearing from the martial world. Lei Wujie never expected him to be hiding in Xueyue City. Even as a half-crippled man, Lei Yunhe still defeated Lei Wujie effortlessly, mocking his overconfidence. Despite repeated failures, Lei Wujie refused to give up. His bold words reminded Lei Yunhe of his younger self. The martial world hadn’t changed—it was Lei Yunhe who had been trapped too long.

With that, Lei Yunhe lost to Lei Wujie, returning to the realm of Free Sky. The legendary Nine Heavens Thunderstorm reappeared in the world. Seeing Lei Yunhe from below, Xiao Se and the others sighed with emotion. Few disciples from Wangcheng Mountain knew of him, due to his deep enmity with Zhao Yuzhen.

Back in the day, Lei Yunhe was one of the Lei Clan’s Four Elites, known as the Thunder of Nine Heavens that Shook the World—able to pierce 90,000 li with a single finger. His most famous battle was attacking Wangcheng Mountain, where Zhao Yuzhen fell into madness. As clouds churned and the yellow crane cried, Lei Yunhe rode a crane like a deity, soaring toward Wangcheng Mountain.

Without hesitation, Lei Wujie leaped to the top of the Heaven-Climbing Pavilion and challenged Xueyue City with his sword. Yet Li Hanyi did not appear. Only after Lei Wujie shouted several times did she finally show herself. With one swing of her sword, Li Hanyi split the Heaven-Climbing Pavilion in two. Sikong Changfeng, heartbroken over his tower, angrily cursed from below.

Lei Wujie was struck down with a single blow and fell from the sixteenth floor, finally realizing the true power of a Sword Immortal. But when he looked up, he saw Li Fansong across from him. With the Immeasurable Sword in hand, Li Fansong also challenged Xueyue City—only to meet the same fate as Lei Wujie. The two then decided to join forces—one wielding a flame-patterned sword, the other a peachwood sword—and rose once more.

Li Hanyi sneered at the two brats and suddenly spun her sword into a flower shape. Two sword energies shot toward Lei Wujie and Li Fansong. This technique, named "Moon at Dusk, Flowers at Dawn," was both stunning and perilous. Camellia petals filled the air—countless blossoms circling, indescribably beautiful. In an instant, the Heaven-Climbing Pavilion was reduced to ruins, petals gently drifting down.

Li Hanyi knocked Lei Wujie and Li Fansong to the ground, then asked about the name of Li Fansong's peach wood sword and broke it on the spot. Having already witnessed Li Hanyi's prowess, Li Fansong felt it inappropriate to linger and left first with Fei Xuan. In contrast, Lei Wujie truthfully explained his intentions under Li Hanyi's questioning, hoping she would go to Leimen to meet his master, Lei Hong.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Li Hanyi's expression wavered before she quickly composed herself and casually threw the Killing Fear Sword to the top of the Ascension Pavilion. Li Hanyi laid out a simple condition: if Lei Wujie could pull out the Killing Fear Sword and formally take her as his master by withstanding three strikes, she would go with him to see Lei Hong.

Once Lei Wujie was accepted as a disciple of the Sword Immortal of Xueyue, Sikong Changfeng tried every means to persuade Xiao Se to stay, even bluntly expressing his wish to take Xiao Se as a disciple as well. Unlike Li Hanyi’s stern manner of accepting disciples, Sikong Changfeng’s approach was overly humble, promising Xiao Se that if he agreed, all of Xueyue City’s wealth would be at his disposal.

Xiao Se bargained his way to a monthly salary of eight million taels. At Tianwaitian, after becoming the new sect leader, Wu Xin began handling internal affairs. The White-Haired Deity reported to him on the latest happenings in the Central Plains, including the adventures of Lei Wujie and Xiao Se in Xueyue City.

Upon hearing that the two had become disciples of Li Hanyi and Sikong Changfeng respectively, Wu Xin was genuinely happy for them and looked forward to their reunion. Lei Wujie woke up after an entire day and night and was surprised to learn that he and Xiao Se had become fellow disciples. Thinking of the three Lords of Xueyue City, famous across the land, Lei Wujie fantasized about becoming someone like them. Xiao Se found his thinking a bit childish.

Tang Lian was curious about Xiao Se’s real reason for staying in Xueyue City, but Xiao Se did not reveal the truth. Sikong Changfeng noticed that Xiao Se still harbored concerns about past events and reluctantly told him the truth. Years ago, Sikong Changfeng had planned to head straight for Tianqi City but received a letter from Xiao Se’s royal uncle at a critical moment, instructing him to guard Xueyue City at all costs.

Unexpectedly, this farewell turned into an eternal separation. After telling the story, Sikong Changfeng seized the moment to use a silver needle to sever Xiao Se’s meridians, confirming that his martial arts had been lost. Despite this, Sikong Changfeng still helped Xiao Se restore his meridians. After all, he was half a disciple of Medicine King Xin Baicao and believed there must be a solution.

Sikong Changfeng pointed out that Xiao Se’s sluggish blood flow would seriously affect his hidden meridians and suggested he exercise more. He then told Sikong Qianluo to regularly spar with Xiao Se. As promised, Lei Wujie arrived at the back mountain. When Li Hanyi asked why he drew his sword, he scratched his head, unsure of the reason, only to suddenly find a long sword in his hand. This was the Listening Rain Sword—his gift upon becoming her disciple.

Li Hanyi warned Lei Wujie to remember that drawing a sword and practicing swordsmanship were two different forms of martial arts. Lei Wujie, not wanting to discuss life and death, failed in his attempt to draw the sword and realized that the Listening Rain Sword actually recognized its master. However, even after several days, Lei Wujie still could not grasp the will to draw the sword, so he was sent down the mountain to seek enlightenment.

Along the way, Lei Wujie ran into Luo Mingxuan and later met Luo Mingxuan’s master, Yin Luoxia. Upon seeing the Listening Rain Sword in Lei Wujie’s hand, Yin Luoxia realized how much Li Hanyi valued him. At this moment, Sikong Qianluo chased after Xiao Se, her lightness skill clearly improved, though it made Xiao Se miserable trying to hide and dodge, nearly becoming her living target.

Taking advantage of her distraction, Lei Wujie slipped away with Xiao Se and accidentally entered a courtyard where Ye Ruoyi was playing the zither. Xiao Se and Ye Ruoyi recognized each other but didn’t show it. Instead, Lei Wujie fell in love with Ye Ruoyi at first sight. Ye Ruoyi helped them hide from Sikong Qianluo’s search. Only after she left did the two come out and bid farewell to Ye Ruoyi.

On their way down the mountain, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie met Tang Lian and became curious about the story between Li Hanyi, Zhao Yuzhen, and Lei Hong. Tang Lian recounted that decades ago, Li Hanyi had long heard of Zhao Yuzhen’s exceptional swordsmanship and sought him out for a duel. However, Zhao Yuzhen, despite his powerful inner strength and sword skills, used them only to accelerate the blooming of peach trees.

Feeling disrespected, Li Hanyi, in anger, cut down all the peach blossoms. As a result, Zhao Yuzhen retaliated with his sword, accidentally knocking off Li Hanyi’s mask and becoming captivated by her beauty.

This beautiful young woman agreed to return in three months for another duel. Zhao Yuzhen indeed waited bitterly beneath the peach trees for three months until Li Hanyi arrived late. Before they fought, Zhao Yuzhen asked Li Hanyi to remove her mask. She reluctantly complied, and then Zhao Yuzhen unleashed a move called Infinite Calamity—his peach wood sword flying into the air, suddenly multiplying into thousands.

Li Hanyi countered with Moonlight at Dusk, Sword at Dawn, summoning a flurry of peach blossoms from the mountains to dispel the myriad swords. The duel ended in a draw. Neither claimed victory, and romantic feelings began to grow. Li Hanyi suggested Zhao Yuzhen leave the mountain, but he believed his master wouldn’t permit it, fearing his departure would cause chaos in the world. Thus, Li Hanyi promised to return to Wangcheng Mountain in a year to take him away.

As for what happened afterward, Tang Lian did not know. He guessed Zhao Yuzhen remained waiting at Wangcheng Mountain, just like how he, after leaving the Tang Clan, became a disciple of the Drunken Immortal Bai Li Dongjun and came to Xueyue City to wait for someone. But this wait had already lasted six years.

Xiao Se remarked that people of the Tang Clan were always like this, burdened with too many missions from birth, living without freedom and never for themselves. Meanwhile, Lei Yunhe arrived at Wangcheng Mountain riding his crane, returning after many years to settle old scores. Back then, Lei Hong passed by and witnessed the Moonlight at Dusk, Sword at Dawn technique, becoming completely obsessed with swordsmanship, willing even to be expelled from Leimen.

Lei Yunhe blamed Zhao Yuzhen for this and challenged him, only to have his right arm severed in the duel. After several rounds of drinks, Tang Lian continued to probe Xiao Se about his purpose for staying in Xueyue City and why he insisted on eight million taels. Xiao Se explained that with that sum, he could recruit soldiers and return to Tianqi City to reclaim what was his.

Though Lei Wujie didn’t fully understand his true intent, he promised with great loyalty to help him. At that moment, a figure flashed by—heading toward Li Hanyi’s secluded cultivation site. Realizing something was wrong, Lei Wujie rushed to intercept the stranger, stating that his master was in seclusion and was not to be disturbed. The man drew the Watersplitter Sword, and Lei Wujie recognized him as Song Yanhui, Lord of Wushuang City.

At first, Lei Wujie was no match for Song Yanhui. But once he grasped the will to draw the sword and successfully pulled out the Listening Rain Sword, he was still defeated. However, this act of drawing the sword was what Li Hanyi feared most. Sensing her fury, Sikong Changfeng immediately alerted Yin Luoxia to stop Song Yanhui—otherwise, he might really die in Xueyue City.

Yin Luoxia and Song Yanhui had a past at Canglan River, but due to his burdens, Song Yanhui couldn’t reciprocate her feelings. Upon hearing her master crying, Luo Mingxuan burst into the room and drove Song Yanhui away, only then realizing he was the Lord of Wushuang City.

Li Hanyi came to visit Yin Luoxia, burdened by emotions—first, because Zhao Yuzhen had gone mad in his cultivation and she hadn’t seen him since, and second, because she missed her younger brother Lei Wujie but didn’t know how to tell him their true relationship. Wushuang sat alone by the riverbank. Seeing his master Song Yanhui return disappointed, he already knew the outcome.

Song Yanhui finally realized the gap between himself and Li Hanyi and vowed never to return to Xueyue City. Upon hearing that Lei Wujie could become a Sword Immortal within three years, Wushuang was naturally unwilling to accept it. He had already learned to control ten flying swords in a short time and swore to become a Sword Immortal within a year. Song Yanhui was greatly comforted.

Now that Lei Wujie had successfully drawn the Listening Rain Sword, he constantly felt like he was forgetting something, with fragmented memories occasionally surfacing. Tang Lian and Xiao Se brought two pieces of news to Lei Wujie. First, Lei Yunhe and Zhao Yuzhen had fought for an entire night and ended in a draw. Zhao Yuzhen personally admitted Lei Yunhe had not lost. The second piece of news was that the Hundred Flowers Gathering of Xueyue City was approaching.

Xiao Se and Tang Lian informed Lei Wujie he could participate—and even see his goddess, Ye Ruoyi. Tang Lian revealed that Ye Ruoyi was the daughter of the current Grand General Ye Xiaoying. However, years ago, she suddenly contracted a strange illness, which even Sikong Changfeng and the astrologers of the Imperial Observatory were helpless to cure. Thinking of Ye Ruoyi, Lei Wujie instantly became lovestruck and eagerly agreed to attend the Hundred Flowers Gathering.

Tang Lian warned him not to tell Li Hanyi, fearing her appearance might stir up trouble once again. As the three talked, they thought of Wu Xin—unaware that he had already begun his seclusion, preparing to enter the mysterious astral realm.

At the annual Hundred Flowers Festival, disciples from all major sects of the martial world gather. The area is adorned with vibrant blossoms, elegant music plays, and the fragrance of flowers fills the air. Usually nonchalant, Xiao Se reveals a rare smile in such an atmosphere. Xiao Se notices that Duan Xuanyi, the young master of the Duan family from Jiangnan, is present.

It turns out Duan Xuanheng, the younger son of the Duan family, entered Xueyue City to study martial arts two years ago, and Duan Xuanyi is accompanying his brother to the festival. Sikong Changfeng and the scholar-swordsman Xie Xuan share fine wine at a private table on the second floor.

Xie Xuan remarks that the Hundred Flowers Festival is a rare spectacle, but laments that despite thousands of scholars and walls full of poetry, there's beauty in the scene yet no beauties among the people. Just then, Ye Ruoyi arrives, her stunning appearance drawing all eyes. Through Sikong Changfeng, Xie Xuan learns that she is Qi Tianchen’s disciple. The two Duan brothers, full of self-regard, prepare to approach Ye Ruoyi.

Tang Lian, displeased, intends to intervene but underestimates the Duan family’s Hidden Water Technique, ending up slightly embarrassed. Duan Xuanyi notices the eye-catching Tang Lian and Xiao Se nearby and, recalling Tang Lian's famous name, challenges him to a contest of Fairy Rui’s Blossom Dance. As he speaks, wine gathers in the air, transforming into countless flying needles targeting Tang Lian. Lei Wujie descends from the sky, attempting a heroic rescue.

However, he fails to control his sword energy, putting even the Duan brothers in danger. At the critical moment, Ye Ruoyi steps into the sea of flowers, fearless in the face of the surging sword aura. She gently takes Lei Wujie’s hand and guides his movements. Indeed, within moments, the killing aura becomes gentle and warm. Blossoms flutter, swords dance gracefully. Sikong Changfeng instantly recognizes this as the Ruoyi Sword Dance.

The Ruoyi Sword Dance was created by the Ye family general on the battlefield and is divided into two parts: the upper section, “Cloud Gate,” flows like drifting clouds and casual strolls; the lower section, “Killing Formation,” exudes a murderous aura audible from miles away. Just as Xie Xuan laments the lack of music to accompany the dance, the sound of a zither begins. Xiao Se plays with a calm expression, harmonizing perfectly with the dancers.

Enthralled, Xie Xuan leaps from the pavilion to join in, playing his flute in accompaniment. With Xiao Se on zither, Xie Xuan on flute, Ye Ruoyi dancing, and Lei Wujie aiding with his sword dance, Tang Lian, watching from the side, is deeply moved. He sings loudly, inspired by the grandeur in Wu Xin’s poetry. As the performance ends, Xie Xuan senses an old acquaintance approaching and hurriedly packs to leave.

Before departing, he gifts ancient texts to Xiao Se and the others, believing they will need them someday. By the time Li Hanyi arrives at the festival, Xie Xuan has long vanished. She praises Lei Wujie’s improved swordsmanship but scolds him for leaving the mountain without permission. As they head back under the midnight moon, master and disciple walk side by side in rare harmony. Ignoring Lei Wujie’s rambling, Li Hanyi asks if he likes Ye Ruoyi.

Lei Wujie readily admits it, claiming it was love at first sight. “Love at first sight” is merely infatuation with beauty, Li Hanyi thinks of Zhao Yuzhen and orders Lei Wujie to focus on sword training—he is to formally duel her in two months and become a Sword Immortal within three years. Xiao Se receives a handwritten book from Xie Xuan. With a few words, he grasps its profound meaning—true energy circulates and all techniques align.

Though he could recover most of his strength in three years by cultivating with this method, there's a catch: the circulation technique could also temporarily restore him to peak power, but doing so would nullify all progress and severely endanger his life. In the Council Hall of Wushuang City, Song Yanhui sits at the head seat, aware that the five elders have come with ill intent. The Grand Elder announces that Ye Songtao is to succeed as City Lord.

However, Ye Songtao is inferior to Song Yanhui in both martial arts and character; he is chosen simply because he’s easier to control. Song Yanhui had recommended Wu Shuang due to her exceptional sword skills, which intimidated the elders and earned her the city lord position. As the splendor fades and summer breeze brushes by, Lei Wujie visits Li Hanyi as agreed for a sword match.

He barely blocks her first move, “Moonset and Blossoms,” but realizes the next two will be even tougher. Summoning his Killing Fear Sword with a call, he continues. Sikong Changfeng, Xiao Se, and Tang Lian rush to watch the excitement. Spotting a flash of the Killing Fear Sword, Sikong marvels that Lei Wujie has reached the Free Ground realm. Lei Wujie wields the Listening Rain Sword in his right and the Killing Fear Sword in his left, an unmatched presence.

His sword technique is called “Paper, Cloud, Smoke. ” Li Hanyi responds with a new move, thundering with a blast completely different from the poetic “Moonset and Blossoms. ” After the duels, Lei Wujie is left in tears. When Sikong Changfeng, Tang Lian, and Xiao Se arrive at the summit, they witness a heartwarming reunion between siblings. Tang Lian, confused, asks Sikong Changfeng for details.

He learns that Li Hanyi's parents were Lei Mengsha, one of the Four Greats of the Lei Clan, and Li Xinyue, heir to the Sword Tomb. Twenty years ago, Lei Mengsha and Li Xinyue fought alongside the current emperor in the assault on the Pingqing Hall. Lei Mengsha was later named one of the Eight Pillars and sent to battle in the South.

After Lei Mengsha died in battle, Li Xinyue and three other martial artists who refused official positions were appointed as the Four Guardians of Tianqi in honorary roles. Li Xinyue, known as the Azure Dragon of the East, was dedicated to protecting the capital until the shocking rebellion case of Lord Langya. Lord Langya, a national hero, was doomed because Emperor Mingde wanted him dead and needed a pretext. When Mingde carried out the execution, Li Xinyue suddenly appeared on the execution ground.

That day, Lord Langya stood on the platform in white robes fluttering. Li Xinyue arrived with sword in hand, her expression frosty. Thirty thousand Langya soldiers waited outside the city, ready to invade Tianqi at Lord Langya’s command. Li Hanyi appeared with her sword pointed at Emperor Mingde, declaring she would take both Lord Langya and Li Xinyue away. To prevent pointless sacrifice, Lord Langya committed suicide on the spot.

Afterward, Li Xinyue was gravely wounded and returned to the Sword Tomb to live her final days. Among Tianqi’s many ministers and princes, only Xiao Se spoke out in defense of Lord Langya. Alone in court, he passionately argued, moving the assembly to tears—yet in the end, it only provoked imperial wrath. Back then, Lord Langya wished for the Four Guardian tokens to be passed on, continuing their duty.

Li Hanyi handed the Azure Dragon token to Lei Wujie, entrusting him as the new Azure Dragon of the East. News that Xiao Se and Wu Xin were traveling together spread throughout the martial world and Tianqi. Emperor Mingde grew uneasy. To investigate, he summoned Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, who suffered from an eye disease but was known for his prudence, and sent him personally to Xueyue City.

The emperor promised that if Xiao Se returned, he would pardon him, restore his royal status, and reinstate him as Prince Yong’an. Early one morning, Lei Wujie brought explosive news to Xiao Se: three days later, Sikong Qianluo, daughter of Snowfall Villa’s Second Master Sikong Changfeng, would hold a martial contest for marriage. Xiao Se was puzzled and asked for the backstory, which traced back three years to the Jiangnan Duan family.

When Sikong Qianluo came of age, the Duan family’s young master proposed marriage, inviting elders from ten major sects and offering a generous betrothal gift. Sikong Changfeng disapproved of Duan Xuanyi and devised a delay tactic: postpone the proposal to a martial contest three years later, requiring any suitor to defeat Sikong Qianluo.

Although both Tang Lian and Lei Wujie dislike the Duan brothers and do not want Qianluo to marry either of them, each already has someone in their heart, and fear stepping in would anger Fairy Rui and Ye Ruoyi. Due to the situation’s complexity, even Sikong Changfeng was overwhelmed and had to seek help from Yin Luoxia. Her disciple, Luo Mingxuan, is the most outstanding young talent in Xueyue City.

Trained in Luoxia’s Broken Wild Goose Palm, a single strike could split the Yangtze River, making ordinary disciples unable to compete. Luo Mingxuan refused to fight at first, claiming he already had someone he liked. However, after Yin Luoxia’s persistent persuasion, he agreed to participate on the condition that if the Duan brothers were chosen, he would deliberately lose to Sikong Qianluo. Meanwhile, Sikong Changfeng receives troubling news: a noble guest surnamed Xiao is arriving at Xueyue City.

The guard Zang Ming suspects that Xiao Se may become an obstacle to Xiao Chong in the struggle for the throne and speculates that Xiao Se came to Xueyue City seeking its power to return to Tianqi. Xiao Chong refrains from jumping to conclusions and insists on meeting this hidden brother in person.

That night, Lei Wujie and Tang Lian approach Xiao Se to discuss strategy, hoping he will make a small sacrifice for the sake of the Snowfall Four’s friendship. On the day of the contest, Duan Xuanheng is first to fight, easily defeating many disciples with ruthless moves, ignoring bonds of sect brotherhood.

Then Luo Mingxuan takes the stage, landing a clean Broken Wild Goose Palm that knocks Duan Xuanheng off stage instantly, though he is also wounded by a poisoned sword. Xiao Chong's entourage arrives at the contest grounds, but he lingers outside, secretly observing Xiao Se. Duan Xuanyi then charges into battle with Luo Mingxuan, clearly more powerful than his brother. Under normal circumstances, Luo Mingxuan could easily win, but Duan Xuanheng had already poisoned the blade, causing severe injury.

Yin Luoxia has no choice but to declare Duan Xuanyi the winner and entrust Luo Mingxuan’s recovery to Sikong Changfeng. At this moment, Xiao Se walks out alone. Though his lightness skill, Cloudstep, has improved, neither Zang Ming nor Xiao Chong can sense any internal energy from him and believe his martial arts are indeed lost. Xiao Se throws two Thunderbolt Orbs from the Lei Clan, catching Duan Xuanyi off guard.

As Duan believes Xiao Se has nothing left, Xiao Se surprises him again with Tang Lian’s three Judge Scrolls, utterly defeating him. Xiao Se takes first place but immediately forfeits upon seeing Sikong Qianluo. The Duan family is stunned, then accuses Xueyue City of rigging the match, sparking a fierce confrontation. Seeing the timing is right, Xiao Chong personally appears to quell the conflict. Everyone kneels in respect—except Xiao Se, who stands tall and stares straight at Xiao Chong.

This storm finally settled. Sikong Changfeng personally hosted Xiao Chong. Upon learning his purpose in coming, he repeatedly emphasized that the grudges of Tianqi City had nothing to do with Xueyue City, subtly distancing the relationship between the two. Lei Wujie, Sikong Qianluo, and others were chatting casually and happened to mention Lord Bai, Xiao Chong's eyes.

Xiao Se revealed that he had lost his sight after accidentally eating poisonous pastries as a child, and no treatment from imperial physicians had helped. Later, Xiao Chong summoned Xiao Se alone. Unfortunately, after so many years apart, everything had changed. Xiao Se's attitude towards Xiao Chong was drastically different, and his words were full of alienation.

Xiao Chong conveyed an imperial decree to Xiao Se, saying that as long as he was willing to return to Tianqi City, all past mistakes would be forgiven. However, Xiao Se refused the decree. Even if it meant risking execution, in his eyes, he had done nothing wrong in the past. Precisely because of Xiao Se’s determination, Xiao Chong didn’t insist further but gave him three days to reconsider and provide an answer.

Cang Ming felt it wasn’t worth it for Xiao Chong, since Xiao Se had something to do with his blindness back then. But Xiao Chong believed they had all been just children who didn’t understand right or wrong. Sikong Changfeng and Li Hanyi discussed Lord Bai’s arrival at Xueyue City. Ye Ruoyi silently stood at the doorway and listened to their entire conversation. As she turned to leave, she unexpectedly encountered Xiao Chong face to face.

Xiao Chong hoped that, given their childhood bond, Ye Ruoyi could personally persuade Xiao Se. Ye Ruoyi agreed verbally but had other thoughts and delayed going to see Xiao Se. Ye Ruoyi’s father, Ye Xiaoying, was a renowned general personally nurtured by Lord Langya. Due to his decisiveness in killing, he was nicknamed “the Butcher. ” Ming Dedi deliberately leaked news of Xiao Se to Ye Xiaoying, knowing he owed Xiao Chuhe over the years.

If Xiao Se could return to Tianqi City, he hoped Ye Xiaoying would handle the matter properly. Soon, the news reached the ears of the five Grand Supervisors. Three of them wanted to know Jin Xian’s stance. Jin Xian refused to intervene in the struggle, which drew dissatisfaction from Jin Wei and the others.

Jin Xuan suddenly entered and warned the four of them to follow the Emperor’s will: be content and avoid disgrace, know when to stop to prevent disaster, and only then could they endure. Jin Yu of the Records Division knew that Jin Yan held Xiao Chuhe in high regard. Jin Xian likewise lamented why one had to make such choices, as the court disputes had hurt the bonds between these princes from a young age.

There was once a time when Xiao Chuhe and his second brother Xiao Chong were extremely close. But later, Xiao Chong lost his sight after eating pastries brought by Xiao Se. Even after all these years, it remained a knot in Xiao Se’s heart that he could never forget, often waking up from nightmares because of it. Lei Wujie, with nothing better to do, asked Xiao Se to accompany him to find Ye Ruoyi.

Xiao Se couldn’t refuse and reluctantly agreed. Ye Ruoyi was sitting dazed in a pavilion when Xiao Chong passed by and smelled the aroma of tea. He approached and struck up a conversation. Ye Ruoyi lied, saying she had gone to see Xiao Se the previous day and could clearly sense he had changed. He was once a spirited youth full of confidence and charm, but now he seemed lazy and dispirited, indifferent to everything and everyone.

Just as she finished speaking, Lei Wujie arrived with Xiao Se, unexpectedly running into Xiao Chong. Xiao Chong wasn’t bothered by Lei Wujie’s sudden intrusion. After briefly asking his identity, he brought the topic back to Xiao Se. Lei Wujie was surprised to hear that Ye Ruoyi had gone to see Xiao Se alone. Seeing the look Ye Ruoyi gave him, Xiao Se went along with it and admitted they had met the previous day.

Xiao Chong didn’t press further after hearing this from Xiao Se. After sitting for a while, he got up and left. Since there were no outsiders around, Lei Wujie finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly returned to his talkative self. He began boasting to Ye Ruoyi about his exploits in storming the Tower to the Heavens, hoping she would see him in a new light.

Sikong Changfeng sat in his room looking at the Vermilion Bird token, recalling many past events. Sikong Qianluo had learned the origin of the token from her father and resolutely took up the position of Vermilion Bird Envoy. She stated that she only wanted to protect those she cared about, just like her father when he was young. Despite everything, he eventually took on his responsibilities.

Sikong Changfeng respected his daughter’s choice and asked her about her feelings for Xiao Se. Sure enough, Qianluo blushed at the question.

Lei Wujie dreamed of sweeping away evil and upholding justice in the martial world. He admired the passionate tale of the White-Feathered Sword Deity who stormed Tianqi with nothing but his sword. However, he noticed that every time Tianqi City was mentioned, Xiao Se's expression would turn strange. Xiao Se revealed that his hometown was indeed Tianqi City, but not everyone could return to their roots.

That night, Sikong Changfeng discussed Lord Bai’s purpose in coming to Xueyue City with Xiao Se. If Xiao Se was willing to go back, the benefits would outweigh the risks. In his dream, Xiao Se saw Wu Xin and confided his unresolved troubles. Wu Xin offered a few brief words that hit the mark, but in the end, the choice was still Xiao Se’s to make. The three-day deadline arrived, and Xiao Se’s answer remained unchanged.

He said that in this life, he would never admit fault to that person in Tianqi City. Even though his resistance was meaningless alone, at least he had a clear conscience. Because of Xiao Se’s defiance, Xiao Chong ordered Cang Ming to forcibly take him away. Sikong Qianluo appeared just in time to stop him, but Xiao Se suddenly stepped in to block a sword, and only then did Xiao Chong give up and leave.

In truth, Xiao Chong had already guessed Xiao Se’s decision. His actions were merely a show for Ming Dedi in Tianqi City, so he would have something to report upon returning. After all, in Xiao Chong’s view, no one truly wanted Xiao Se to return to Tianqi City. Otherwise, all the other princes would be nothing more than his backdrop. No matter how deep their brotherly affection, they would eventually be lost in the pursuit of power.

Now that Wu Xin had become the sect leader of Tianwaitian, his influence was formidable. Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, harbored wild ambitions of seizing the throne and proactively sought out Wu Xin for a deal. Wu Xin mocked him for being delusional. Though they were half-brothers, the blood feud between their fathers ran deep. How could he support the son of his enemy in ascending the throne?

Xiao Yu attempted to move Wu Xin with familial ties, claiming he was fighting for the throne to avenge their mother. In the end, Wu Xin agreed to cooperate, on the condition that Xiao Se would not be harmed in any way. Additionally, Wu Xin noticed the drugged Lord Ming and, remembering their brief encounter, took him under his care. Fortunately, Xiao Se’s injuries were not severe, and he recovered after some rest.

Sikong Changfeng had promised to treat Ye Ruoyi’s illness, so he had Tang Lian pack their things to take her to the Tang Clan and meet Elder Tang. Coincidentally, the Hero’s Banquet at Lei Fortress was approaching, and Lei Wujie wanted to return to attend. He would also bring Li Hanyi to see their master, Lei Hong. Originally, Xiao Se had little interest in the Hero’s Banquet.

But when Sikong Changfeng laid out a table full of account books, he immediately changed his mind and decided to go with Lei Wujie to Lei Fortress. Sikong Qianluo and Xiao Se climbed to a high spot to enjoy the view. She suddenly asked how the scenery of Tianqi City compared to that of Xueyue City. Xiao Se pondered seriously and, for once, didn’t show any aversion or displeasure.

After leaving Xueyue City, Lord Bai Xiao Chong didn’t return to Tianqi City directly. Instead, he headed to Unrivaled City. He wasn’t surprised that such a young man already sat on the Lord’s seat and advised him to wait patiently for the right moment to enter Tianqi, avoiding involvement in any factional struggles in the meantime. Sikong Changfeng was curious why Xiao Se wanted to go to Lei Fortress.

Xiao Se frankly admitted that he had learned Lei Wujie had inherited the Azure Dragon Token and wanted to see the latter’s true strength. Before Li Hanyi descended the mountain, Sikong Changfeng advised her to travel more and reflect on herself—a message she understood. When the day of departure arrived, Lei Wujie was reluctant to part with the Tower to the Heavens. Tang Lian brought Ye Ruoyi to see them off.

After a brief farewell, the four of them went their separate ways. Lei Wujie and Xiao Se began their long journey to Lei Sect. Meanwhile, Zhao Yuzhen received an eighty-thousand-tael bill from Xueyue City and blamed Li Fansong for razing the Tower to the Heavens. Li Fansong was horrified, and though Zhao Yuzhen didn’t believe it, upon hearing that Li Fansong had seen Li Hanyi’s “Moonlit Flowers of Dusk,” he couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.

Just as Lord Bai Xiao Chong was turning back to meet his ninth brother, he did not expect that the Ninth Prince, Xiao Jinxia, had already arrived at Dark River. Walking upstream along the river, he finally encountered a man in black holding a paper umbrella at the end of the path. Under his guidance, Xiao Jinxia met the patriarch of the assassin organization Dark River—Su Changhe—and discussed cooperation under the identity of Xiao Chuhe.

Lei Wujie first brought Xiao Se to Wangcheng Mountain. Zhao Yuzhen sensed the Sword of Listening Rain and mistakenly thought Li Hanyi had come. Unexpectedly, it was just a loudmouthed young brat. Over the years, Zhao Yuzhen had always been waiting for Li Hanyi, not knowing she had come several times but was stopped outside by the elders. The whole Wangcheng Mountain knew, except him, who was kept in the dark.

This time, Lei Wujie came to persuade Zhao Yuzhen to descend the mountain and meet Li Hanyi, and incidentally revealed that the Lei Clan would soon hold a Hero Meeting. Zhao Yuzhen hesitated for a moment, recited a poem, and returned up the mountain. Lei Wujie was utterly confused, having no idea what he meant. Soon after, Lei Wujie and Xiao Se bid farewell to Li Fansong and continued their journey to the Lei family.

However, while passing Dark River, they suddenly encountered a group of assassins—the very organization that occupied the top eight ranks of the League of Assassins. Lei Wujie attempted a sword strike but was quickly overwhelmed. He stepped back and solemnly stated that without Senior Brother Tang Lian present, it was up to the two of them to handle these assassins.

No sooner had he spoken than Xiao Se used lightness skills to flee, his mind full of the principle: “In all martial arts, speed is the key to victory. ” But the assassins' lightness skills were even better. Fortunately, Sikong Qianluo appeared just in time, using a smoke bomb to help everyone escape. Lei Wujie was curious why Sikong Qianluo was here, and of course, Sikong Qianluo would never admit she was following Xiao Se.

Umbrella Ghost Su Muyu and Xie Clan head Xie Qidao joined forces to stop Li Hanyi from heading north, leading to a fierce three-way fight. Meanwhile, Lei Wujie and company staggered into Jiuxiao City, exhausted. The air was filled with the aroma of food, but Lei Wujie had lost his money pouch and had not a single coin. Xiao Se grumbled and urged him to figure out a way to get money.

Moments later, a young flower girl approached Xiao Se, trying to persuade him to buy flowers for the lady beside him. Although Xiao Se was usually stingy, he was rather generous this time. Sikong Qianluo, holding the bouquet, was secretly delighted. Lei Wujie, determined to earn money, even resorted to performing with gunpowder and managed to make a little income. Now they didn’t need to worry about food or lodging.

Tang Lianyue of the Xuanwu Hall had received news about Xiao Se and looked deeply concerned. Tang Lian brought Ye Ruoyi to report to their master and unexpectedly learned that Ye Ruoyi had deliberately lied, claiming the Tang Clan had a cure, while actually harboring other motives.

Tang Lianyue understood Ye Ruoyi’s purpose and handed the Xuanwu token to Tang Lian, stating that the Tang Clan had already been bought off by Lord Bai Xiao Chong and would soon betray Xueyue City. Sure enough, right after this was said, many Tang Clan disciples appeared. Tang Lianyue instructed Tang Lian to take Ye Ruoyi away. Just as they exited, they encountered the Grand Elder.

Because of Tang Lianyue's face, the Grand Elder did not trouble Tang Lian and Ye Ruoyi, letting them leave the Tang Clan. Meanwhile, Lei Wujie, strapped for cash, could only order plain noodles for Xiao Se and Sikong Qianluo. Fortunately, Xiao Se didn’t fuss over it. On the contrary, he unusually tolerated Lei Wujie, which surprised him. Lei Wujie talked earnestly about loyalty and responsibility.

Xiao Se couldn’t help but ask what he would do if the person he protected wanted to kill his brother. Before Xiao Se could reveal his identity, Sikong Qianluo and Lei Wujie suddenly felt weak all over. The three of them then noticed the black-clothed man sitting beside them—it was none other than Mu Ying of the Dark River organization, who had mastered the Water Condensation Technique and could combine it with Drunken Finger Style.

At the moment of life and death, Xiao Se remembered the cultivation technique gifted by the Confucian Sword Immortal and transferred his internal energy to Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo. The two joined forces against Mu Ying, with Lei Wujie even unleashing the eighth level of Fireburn Technique. Mu Ying grew fearful and fled in panic, while Xiao Se collapsed to the ground. Sikong Qianluo tried to fire the Qiancheng Token to summon allies.

Xiao Se sensed danger, fearing that enemies might arrive before help. Fortunately, Luo Mingxuan appeared with disciples from Sword Heart Tomb. At Jianxin Pavilion, Lei Wujie reunited with his grandfather, Lord Li Su. Overjoyed, Li Su decided to gift him a better sword. Hua Jin of Medicine King Valley personally treated Xiao Se’s injuries, but found no external wounds—only a disorderly pulse, a rare condition. Tang Lian and Ye Ruoyi fled from their clan’s pursuit.

Ye Ruoyi, physically weak, couldn’t endure much longer. Just then, Wu Xin descended from the sky, shielding her from hidden weapons and pulling both Tang Lian and Ye Ruoyi away into the shadows. Lord Li Su introduced Lei Wujie to the ten famed swords of the world and showcased the “Xin” sword, ranked fourth, among the heirlooms of Sword Heart Tomb. This sword had a slender, nearly transparent blade and was named with a single character.

It could resonate with the wielder's heart. Lei Wujie's mother once wielded it, but later fell in love with Lei Mengsha and wandered the martial world. Every time Li Su mentioned this, he would pound his chest in regret. Though Lei Wujie tried many times to draw the sword, it gave no response. Li Su explained that he needed to connect with it through his heart. So Lei Wujie closed his eyes and meditated.

Suddenly, he saw a vision of his mother, Li Xinyue, and was moved to tears. Li Xinyue enlightened him that the true meaning of wielding a sword was to protect. Deeply inspired, the illusion faded, and Lei Wujie connected with the sword’s heart. Seeing Lei Wujie master the Xin sword so quickly, Li Su was overjoyed and introduced the remaining three famous swords.

However, the number one sword, Tianzhan, had no image—because it was a divine sword left by the founding emperor, only for one chosen by fate. It hadn’t appeared for centuries and was enshrined in the Astronomical Observatory, guarded by the Imperial Astrologer. The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room as Xiao Se slowly woke up to find Sikong Qianluo leaning on his bedside. He felt a warmth in his heart.

Sikong Qianluo, seeing Xiao Se had improved, was greatly relieved and personally fed him medicine with great care. Hua Jin told Lord Li Su about Xiao Se’s condition, hoping to cure him, while lamenting that her senior brother Sikong Changfeng was too indecisive. If he had focused on medicine, his skills might have surpassed even their master.

Hua Jin revealed her identity to Xiao Se and, upon seeing the rare book gifted by the Confucian Sword Immortal, finally understood the cause of his disorderly pulse. Lord Li Su came to see Xiao Se alone, curious about his thoughts on the Dark River’s pursuit. Xiao Se believed they weren’t after him specifically but suspected a deeper conspiracy—possibly linked to the Lei family stronghold. The priority now was to reach it quickly.

That night, Lord Li Su faced Su Changli and Mu Ying alone. But after just one exchange, Lei Wujie and others appeared. Lei Wujie drew the Xin sword to duel Su Changli and unexpectedly defeated him with ease. Su Changli self-destructed before their eyes. Always pure-hearted and kind, Lei Wujie never intended to kill.

But Xiao Se knew this sword strike had been tampered with by Lord Li Su, who did it to add a lethal edge to Lei Wujie’s gentlemanly sword—for surviving the martial world requires more than just victory. Xiao Se thanked Lord Li Su for saving his life. Lord Li Su, seeing through his origins, revealed that his own daughter had died four years ago, and now his only wish was to protect Lei Wujie and help him live well.

After bidding farewell to Lord Li Su, Xiao Se and Sikong Qianluo caught up with Lei Wujie. Seeing his desolate expression, they realized he still had a long way to go to mature. Xiao Se comforted him, saying one must face the truth bravely. The martial world is like a mirror—only through it can one see into their own heart.

Although Wu Xin had used internal energy to suppress Ye Ruoyi’s injuries, it wouldn’t last long. He intercepted the messenger pigeon Ye Ruoyi had sent to Xueyue City for help and learned that Xiao Se and Lei Wujie were also being pursued. Just as Wu Xin was speaking with Tang Lian, Ming Hou suddenly appeared carrying a massive golden blade. Then another figure arrived, his powerful presence alone creating immense pressure.

Before Wu Xin could speak, Ming Hou leapt forward first and swung his massive blade at the man. Unexpectedly, the man forced Ming Hou to retreat without even unsheathing his sword. Seeing this, Wu Xin sighed—he hadn’t expected to encounter such a supreme expert just after entering the martial world. On Wu Xin’s prompt, Tang Lian didn’t hesitate, fleeing with Ye Ruoyi and vanishing without a trace. In an instant, only Wu Xin remained to face the man alone.

Ming Hou was merely a side character in comparison, as he wasn’t even worthy of a fight in the eyes of the Wrathful Sword Immortal. Ranked third among the Five Great Sword Immortals, Yan Zhantian, known as the Wrathful Sword Immortal, wielded the Po Jun Sword. He was known for his wrath, nourishing his sword with anger, never holding back in battle, and killing without regard for right or wrong.

As the only Sword Immortal whose alignment was ambiguous, he now acted like a willful child, determined to defeat Wu Xin to make up for never having fought Ye Dingzhi. The old patriarch of the Tang Clan, upon hearing that Tang Lian had escaped, did not pursue the matter. However, since provoking someone like Ye Xiaoying would bring trouble, he could only pin his hopes on an old friend.

Yet before that old friend, the Wrathful Sword Immortal, arrived, Mu Yumo of the Dark River suddenly visited. She wore a dark purple gown, her face hidden under a hood, her eyebrows elegant, her gaze seductive—her words as poisonous as the Tang Clan’s own. With just a few words, Mu Yumo struck a deal with the Tang patriarch. It wouldn’t be long before they witnessed a grand spectacle.

At this time, Xiao Chong personally came to take his ninth brother home. The family head, Su Changhe, had already seen through Xiao Jinxia’s impersonation of Xiao Chuhe. The only reason he hadn’t killed him was out of respect for Xiao Chong, as they wanted to use Xiao Chong’s influence to bring the Dark River back into the light—at the cost of destroying the Lei Clan and helping him rise to power.

After leaving the Dark River, Xiao Chong warned Xiao Jinxia to be cautious in all things. In this world, there are two kinds of people—those who forsake everything for profit, and those who forsake profit for loyalty and affection. Sixth Prince Xiao Chuhe belonged to the latter. Xiao Chong admired such people, though he knew he was not one of them. Even so, he still strove to stay true to his principles.

From Snowfall Villa to Xueyue City, and from Wangcheng Mountain to Lei Fortress, Xiao Se and his companions had already faced multiple situations of extreme poverty before even reaching Lei Fortress. As Lei Wujie continued to worry about money, they suddenly spotted a notice offering a large reward for someone skilled in medicine. Helplessly, Xiao Se offered up his Penglai Pill to the local governor. Unexpectedly, the woman in urgent need of treatment turned out to be Ye Ruoyi.

Although Xiao Se was not skilled in medicine, he realized Ye Ruoyi had only survived this long thanks to the internal energy Wu Xin had transferred into her. Tang Lian recounted his encounter and how Wu Xin had faced a powerful swordsman alone. From his description, Xiao Se concluded that the man was the Wrathful Sword Immortal. However, Xiao Se was now more curious as to why the Sword Immortal of Xueyue had not shown up.

Meanwhile, Li Hanyi was under siege by the Tang Clan’s third elder and Su Changhe’s forces. The Dark River’s special formation had completely suppressed her. Zhao Yuzhen, sensing Li Hanyi’s dire situation, disregarded his uncle Yin Changsong’s attempt to stop him and insisted on descending the mountain.

Before leaving, he reminded Fei Xuan to begin his worldly travels in three months and advised Li Fansong that fate would grant him two master-disciple relationships—one of which would be a reclusive master living in the wild. Li Hanyi fought Su Changhe through several rounds, resulting in a near-mutual destruction situation. However, under the formation’s suppression, the undefeated Sword Immortal suffered serious injuries. At the critical moment, Zhao Yuzhen descended with a flurry of peach blossoms.

After settling Li Hanyi down, he levitated a wooden sword that instantly transformed into hundreds of sword energies. As Su Changhe battled Zhao Yuzhen, the Tang Clan’s third elder used the chance to launch a hidden weapon at Li Hanyi. The Rain of Pear Blossom Needles—a set of twenty-seven fine needles—was hurled at her. Even though Zhao Yuzhen did his utmost to block them, he failed to stop the final needle.

As a result, Li Hanyi was poisoned and fell unconscious. Knowing Zhao Yuzhen had forcefully used his divine sword technique, Su Changhe prepared to press his attack—only to be stopped by Grand Preceptor Qi Tianchen.

At Lei Fortress of the Jiangnan Thunderbolt Sect, Lei Hong taught the children about the martial world: to draw their swords when witnessing injustice. Sect Leader Lei Qianhu felt helpless about this. The cold poison in his body had spread rapidly, and only the Wen Clan’s poison-against-poison method barely kept him alive. He only hoped to complete the Heroes Banquet successfully.

Upon hearing that Li Hanyi and Zhao Yuzhen had both descended from their mountains, Lei Hong was initially overjoyed, but his expression quickly turned grave. Fortunately, Zhao Yuzhen met the Confucian Sword Immortal Xie Xuan. The two worked together to expel the poisoned needle from Li Hanyi’s body, ensuring her survival. However, Zhao Yuzhen had aggravated his internal injuries by forcefully circulating his energy. He couldn’t fully hold onto the poisoned needle, which instead entered his own body.

Still, he pretended to remain composed in front of Xie Xuan. Xie Xuan was shocked that Qi Tianchen had revealed the Heavenly Revelation for Zhao Yuzhen. Unfortunately, not even the Grand Preceptor could prevent the impending tragedy. Xie Xuan privately lamented, wondering how one could bring dead wood back to life. Zhao Yuzhen sat silently in the courtyard until Li Hanyi awoke. When she looked at him, her gaze was filled with tenderness.

Ten years of waiting felt like a fleeting moment, a mere snap of the fingers in their youth. Zhao Yuzhen had asked Xie Xuan to find a courtyard where peach trees grew, replicating the scene from their first meeting. But this time, Li Hanyi was to become his most beautiful bride. Just as Li Hanyi married Zhao Yuzhen, it was also the final moment of Zhao Yuzhen’s life.

Before the wedding ceremony was completed, Zhao Yuzhen collapsed, dying in her arms without regret. On that day, stars fell in broad daylight. The Po Jun Sword rang out. The once lush and blooming peach tree instantly withered and decayed, as if its master had lost his vitality. Disciples of Wangcheng Mountain wept bitterly and vowed revenge.

Watching the abnormal celestial signs outside the carriage window, Su Muyu couldn’t understand Su Changhe’s actions and felt it wasn’t worth offending both Wangcheng Mountain and Xueyue City. Ming Dedi urgently summoned Marquis Lan Yue, Xiao Yueli, to the palace. First, he took him to visit Xiao Chong at Lord Bai’s manor, then they went to see Xiao Yu at Lord Chi’s manor.

Compared to Xiao Chong’s understanding nature, Xiao Yu was unruly, idle, and gluttonous, even despised by his own uncle Xiao Yueli. Ming Dedi’s true purpose in calling Xiao Yueli was simply to have him attend the Heroes Banquet and once again convey his real intentions to Xiao Se. Ever since Zhao Yuzhen’s death, Li Hanyi had completely lost herself to madness, scouring the land for Su Changhe to avenge her husband.

Although the Confucian Sword Immortal Xie Xuan was erudite and talented, he alone could not subdue Li Hanyi—let alone cure her madness. So he sought help from the Wrathful Sword Immortal. Thanks to Xie Xuan’s intervention, Wu Xin narrowly escaped death. The Wrathful Sword Immortal, lacking patience, knocked Li Hanyi unconscious with a single palm strike. Mu Ying reported Su Changli’s death to Su Changhe.

Xie Qidao clearly noticed the killing intent in Su Muyu’s eyes, but Su Changhe did not hold Mu Ying accountable. In Su Muyu’s eyes, Su Changli was more of a swordsman than an assassin—he shouldn’t have met such an end. Yet Su Changhe, as an elder brother, remained unnervingly calm upon hearing of his brother’s death. This strangeness caused Su Muyu and Xie Qidao to grow suspicious.

Lei Qianhu was not fond of pomp and ceremony, but this time, he truly valued the Heroes Banquet. He wanted the entire martial world to know that even after his death, the Lei Clan would thrive more than ever—because the Thunderbolt Twins were about to reappear. As guests arrived in droves, Lei Qianhu stood with Lei Tianhen at the gate, waiting to greet the most important guest—Tang Clan's patriarch. His arrival would mark the true beginning of the banquet.

Xiao Se and his companions encountered an ambush on the way to Lei Fortress. The attackers were Su Muyu and Xie Qidao. Lei Clan disciples were sent to find Lei Wujie and help fend off the attack but were quickly killed. Meanwhile, the Tang patriarch and Mu Yumo poisoned the wine and laid the Thousand-Spider Formation to trap Lei Qianhu.

Tang Laotaiye joined forces with Dark River, clearly intending to destroy the Lei Clan. Thus, for Lei Hong and the others, this battle was truly a fight for their lives. Mu Yumo discovered that the cold poison in Lei Qianhu’s body had penetrated deep into his blood, mocking him for merely holding on by force. However, even so, Lei Qianhu still forcefully activated the ninth level of the Five Thunder Heavenly Gang Fist.

Though it unleashed immense power, it was undoubtedly fatal. Lei Qianhu struck out with a punch, its momentum several times greater than before. Had Su Changhe not appeared in time, Mu Yumo would likely have died under the blow. Precisely because Lei Qianhu was at death’s door, he passed the leadership of the sect to Lei Hong with his dying breath and then died.

Lei Yunhe and Lei Hong fought against Tang Laotaiye and Su Changhe, but after several rounds they were clearly overpowered, far from matching Tang Laotaiye’s deep inner strength. Lei Wujie and Xiao Se arrived in a hurry. Tang Lian was unwilling to help the Tang Clan against the Lei family, nor did he want to fight Tang Laotaiye. His identity placed him in a dilemma. Lei Wujie, Sikong Qianluo, and Ye Ruoyi were all seriously injured by Tang Laotaiye.

In the end, even Tang Lian was on the verge of death. At this critical moment, Xiao Se resolutely used the Flow Technique. The reappearance of the Wuji Staff shocked Tang Laotaiye. Sensing Tang Laotaiye’s strength waning, Su Changhe secretly channeled inner energy into his back. Tang Laotaiye struck with both hands to block Xiao Se’s Wuji Staff, and the two sides were locked in a deadlock.

However, in a duel between masters, life and death are decided in an instant. Su Changhe secretly acted, causing Tang Laotaiye’s body and spirit to be utterly destroyed. He then falsely accused Xiao Se of killing Tang Laotaiye and launched an attack under the pretense of revenge. Fortunately, Wu Xin appeared just in time to protect Xiao Se. Li Hanyi also arrived swiftly, chasing after Su Changhe and vowing to avenge Zhao Yuzhen.

Now that Tang Laotaiye was dead, the remaining Tang disciples sought to make a deal with Lei Yunhe. As long as they detoxified the guests in the hall, they hoped the Lei Clan would publicly state that Lei Laotaiye died fighting Dark River, preserving the honor of both sects. Although Lei Yunhe was deeply unwilling, the lives of hundreds forced him to agree to this shameless condition.

The Chief Eunuch Jin Xuan personally visited the Imperial Preceptor Qi Tianchen, trying to learn who Emperor Mingde intended to designate as his successor. Qi Tianchen said he had not received any edict, only leaving behind a cryptic sixteen-character message for interpretation. Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, dismissed it lightly, while Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, pondered deeply, believing it was more of a warning than a suggestion.

Lei Wujie awoke to find Tang Lian and the others present, but Xiao Se’s condition was much more serious. Even with Wu Xin and the Sword Immortal of Confucianism doing all they could, the result was unsatisfactory—they could only suppress his injuries for now. The Sanri Pill could at most keep Xiao Se’s heart pulse stable for three days.

Sikong Changfeng, upon learning of their situation, was deeply worried, and Hua Jin also rushed to Lei Fortress upon receiving the news. During the journey, Hua Jin had been traveling non-stop. Even the best horses were nearly dead from exhaustion. By chance, she met Xiao Yueli in simple attire, who offered to travel together to Lei Fortress.

Meanwhile, upon hearing of Lei Fortress’s plight, Ye Xiaoying was concerned about his daughter Ye Ruoyi’s safety and led an army through the night. Lei Wujie waited outside the room for news until late into the night. When the door finally opened, it was the ever-dashing Xie Xuan, who looked a bit weary.

The next morning, Lei Wujie, clutching the Heart Sword and exhausted, was about to be persuaded by Ye Ruoyi and Sikong Qianluo to rest when they suddenly learned that a large force had surrounded Lei Fortress. In fact, those outside were not government troops. Clad in armor and radiating murderous intent, the leader was a burly man full of killing aura—clearly a battle-hardened army and general.

Lei Wujie stepped forward, blocking the thousands of soldiers, holding the Heart Sword without yielding. This youthful resolve caught Ye Xiaoying’s attention. At the critical moment, Lei Yunhe slowly stepped out. Upon learning Ye Xiaoying’s identity, Lei Wujie immediately became extremely respectful, realizing this was Ye Ruoyi’s father. Seeing Lei Wujie’s sudden change in attitude, Lei Yunhe was puzzled, until he heard Ye Ruoyi’s voice behind him and finally understood, casting a meaningful glance at Lei Wujie.

Seeing his daughter unharmed, Ye Xiaoying was slightly relieved and followed Ye Ruoyi into Lei Fortress. However, Lei Yunhe felt Ye Xiaoying’s sudden appearance was not just about his daughter—he likely came for Xiao Se. If that were true, and Ye Xiaoying ordered the soldiers to storm Lei Fortress and take Xiao Se, they wouldn’t be able to stop it. Lei Wujie was shocked and declared he would protect Xiao Se no matter what.

Since Xiao Se had taken the Sanri Pill, he was currently in a state of temporary strength before death. For the duration of a single incense stick, he would be invincible, but after that, even a deity couldn’t save him. Just as Xie Xuan and Wu Xin were about to remove all of Xiao Se’s internal power, the little physician fairy Hua Jin arrived in time and used her and their inner energy to suppress Xiao Se’s illness.

Lei Fortress was bustling. Ye Xiaoying and Xiao Yueli appeared cordial but were clearly at odds. Their conversation was filled with things Lei Wujie couldn’t understand. However, from their fragmented words, Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo confirmed that Xiao Se was the current Sixth Prince, Xiao Chuhe, and their reactions were completely different. Lei Wujie was overjoyed, while Sikong Qianluo was secretly shocked. She informed Tang Lian, who was unsurprised—he had long suspected Xiao Se’s identity was not simple.

Wu Xin exited the room without commenting on Xiao Se’s identity and instead spoke with Xiao Yueli, praising Hua Jin’s medical skills that brought Xiao Se back from death’s door with ease. Ye Xiaoying had no patience for these reunions and stood to enter the room to see Xiao Se, but was blocked by Lei Wujie, Tang Lian, and the others, who revealed themselves as Xiao Se’s protectors.

Xiao Yueli and Ye Xiaoying argued, and Hua Jin came out as well, saying she could not cure Xiao Se. If he returned to Tianqi now, he would likely die en route. Currently, only the Medical Immortal Xin Baicao and the Imperial Preceptor Qi Tianchen could treat Xiao Se. But Qi Tianchen could only preserve his life—Xiao Se would never be able to practice martial arts again and would be an ordinary person for the rest of his life.

Xin Baicao had been traveling the world in hiding for years, and the group fell into despair. Xie Xuan suddenly thought of the offshore Tianshan Penglai Island, hoping to find a hidden immortal to restore Xiao Se’s soul. Baili Dongjun had visited Penglai Island twice and mentioned an immortal there who could ride the wind and live in harmony with heaven and earth, as eternal as the sun and moon. Thus, Xie Xuan believed this person could heal Xiao Se.

Though the journey to Penglai Island was extremely dangerous, Xiao Se insisted on taking the risk and made a pact to reunite with them in Xueyue City a year later. Xiao Yueli, knowing Xiao Se’s character, also hoped he would return as Xiao Chuhe. After Xiao Yueli left, Ye Xiaoying took Ye Ruoyi and departed Lei Fortress. Wu Xin said farewell to Xiao Se and the others, believing they would meet again.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chong received word that the Tang Clan had joined forces with Dark River to strike a devastating blow against Lei Fortress. He suspected someone was orchestrating it behind the scenes and ordered further investigation. Tang Lian asked Sikong Qianluo to return to Xueyue City to report the situation to Sikong Changfeng. Though reluctant, she left. Xiao Se knew that the entire Tang Clan now saw him as an enemy.

As the two were talking, Lei Wujie ran over and suggested taking Xiao Se for a walk around Lei Fortress. Xiao Se remarked that Lei Wujie was finally starting to show some promise. Wu Xin returned to Hanshui Temple, finding only his senior brother remaining. He decided to let Minghou stay and be treated, believing he would one day regain his sanity. Next, Wu Xin planned to search for Li Hanyi.

He had heard how she once led a group to defeat his father, Ye Dingzhi, and wanted to uncover the truth. Back in Tianqi, Xiao Yueli first asked the Imperial Preceptor about Penglai Island, then entered the palace to report to Emperor Mingde. The emperor flew into a rage upon hearing that these youths were interfering in royal matters. But when he learned that Xiao Se’s meridians were destroyed, his emotions became complex.

Although Xiao Yueli had promised Xiao Se to seek help at Penglai Island, the emperor still wanted Xiao Se brought back and dispatched Jin Wei to the East to carry out the task. At that moment, Xiao Se and the others were in the East. Lei Wujie was out looking for food. From a local woman, he learned that the seaside market had long closed and they needed to go to the neighboring town.

Tang Lian was worried when Lei Wujie hadn’t returned, but just then Lei Wujie came back with a plate of crabs, describing what he had seen—including ships. Now, only the Xuesong long ships could sail into deep waters, which reminded Xiao Se of the wealthiest man in Qingzhou, one of the Nine Cities.

The name "Guan Chao Inn" sounds elegant, but in reality, it is rather dilapidated and desolate, far from the sea—clearly not living up to its name. Just as Xiao Se was grumbling about it, Lei Wujie spotted Pearl, the fisher girl he met yesterday.

Through her, he learned that the Mu family in Qingzhou was offering a generous reward to recruit sixty men to dive into the deep sea for medicinal herbs, but by noon only two or three had been accepted. Xiao Se and the others arrived near the harbor where a large ship was docked and saw a crowd gathered around a burly man teasing a small snake. Tang Lian immediately recognized the snake as a golden-threaded viper.

Although it is extremely venomous, its extracted venom can cure all snakebites in the world. Almost at the same time, the snake struck first and bit the man. Two men in black quickly stepped forward to administer the antidote, declaring that he had failed the test. Dissatisfied with the Mu family's practice of risking lives with money, Lei Wujie struck the snake to the ground.

A middle-aged man, seemingly a steward, hurried over and said his master wanted to meet them, inviting them aboard the ship. Inside the snow-pine longboat sat a well-dressed young man who introduced himself, hoping to befriend them. Xiao Se, however, falsely claimed to be Xiao Wuxin, Lei Wujie said he was Lei Zhenyu, and Tang Lian called himself Tang Shisan. The young man was Mu Chunfeng, third son of the Mu family in Qingzhou.

He clearly saw through their false names. Lei Wujie and Xiao Se eventually confessed their real identities, but Tang Lian lied again, calling himself Tang Mohe. Upon hearing this, Lei Wujie and Xiao Se gave him a disdainful glance. Mu Chunfeng, however, didn’t mind and, after inviting them to sit, revealed that he was going to sea in search of three kinds of snake gallbladders to cure impotence.

Xiao Se proposed a deal with Mu Chunfeng, offering to venture to Three Snake Island in exchange for being left a small boat and seven days of waiting at the same spot. After a brief thought, Mu Chunfeng readily agreed, planning to depart in three days after gathering enough snake catchers.

Xiao Se then led Lei Wujie and Tang Lian off the ship, certain that Mu Chunfeng, a wealthy young master, was naive and guileless—worth the risk for acquiring the snake gall. Lei Wujie was even more thrilled to save on boat rental and invited his brothers to enjoy the spotted stonefish. Meanwhile, Li Hanyi, having fallen into madness, angrily blamed the Lei brothers for causing her and Zhao Yuzhen to miss each other.

Just as she was about to kill Lei Hong, Wu Xin appeared at the critical moment, remarking on his divine presence, and then offered his help to cure her of the demonic affliction. After regaining her senses, Li Hanyi recognized Wu Xin and commented that he lacked the sharpness of Ye Dingzhi—they were very different as father and son.

Wu Xin found the answer he sought: Li Hanyi was not the one who killed his father, since Ye Dingzhi had seen a woman before his death. It seemed he would still need to go to Tianqi City. Li Hanyi and Lei Hong bid farewell. Despite Lei Hong’s lifelong affection, he still couldn’t compare to Zhao Yuzhen’s place in Li Hanyi’s heart. All the recent events showed that someone was trying to dismantle Xueyue City.

Although Sikong Changfeng was concerned for the safety of Li Hanyi and the others, as one of the Three Lords, he couldn’t leave recklessly; otherwise, the city could be endangered. Xueyue City’s three main allies were unreliable—the Tang Clan's stance was unclear, the Lei Family Fortress had suffered severe losses, and even the Wen family had withdrawn from worldly matters. Though Xueyue City appeared powerful in the martial world, it was merely a pawn on Tianqi’s chessboard.

Fortunately, Li Hanyi returned soon after. Sikong Changfeng took her pulse and determined she had only twenty percent of her inner strength left. Returning to the Sword Immortal realm within three years would be difficult, so she needed to stay and recover. Before setting off, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie encountered Jin Wei. Mu Chunfeng intervened on their behalf. In the end, Xiao Se negotiated with Jin Wei alone, requesting a three-day wait on the shore for a decisive duel.

Trusting Xiao Chuhe’s reputation for keeping promises, Jin Wei didn’t doubt him. Little did he know, Xiao Se had already departed by boat with Lei Wujie and Tang Lian, with Sikong Qianluo also running aboard. In truth, Mu Chunfeng had long noticed that these people were extraordinary. Relying on his broad knowledge, he recognized Sikong Qianluo and Tang Lian, but not the unknown Lei Wujie.

Since childhood, Mu Chunfeng had studied medicine and could tell that Xiao Se was a dying man. He had intended to treat him personally, but discovered that Little Medical Immortal Hua Jin’s skills far surpassed his. To survive, Xiao Se would still need to find the immortal island of Penglai. After several days of sailing, just as they neared Three Snake Island, Mu Chunfeng held a banquet to send them off.

Xiao Se thanked him for his previous help and revealed his true identity. Mu Chunfeng was shocked to learn that Xiao Se was Prince Xiao Chuhe.

Mu Chunfeng had already heard of Xiao Chuhe’s name. Back then, this sixth prince willingly accepted punishment under Lord Langya's protection, and his deep loyalty alone was admirable. With that in mind, Mu Chunfeng offered two fine wines for everyone to taste and asked to see Tang Lian’s "Book of Wine," which increasingly amazed him the more he read.

He revealed that the brewing techniques recorded in the book could enhance one's martial strength, which reminded Lei Wujie of the three cups of "Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon" wine he once drank. Compared to the sweetness of "Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon," Mu Chunfeng’s "Fragrance of the Cold Pool" was a rare strong liquor—so potent that even drinkers like Xiao Se and Tang Lian dared not indulge.

Sure enough, after finishing his drink, Lei Wujie suddenly drew his sword and rushed out, dancing with it on the deck while reciting poetry. The verses were Wu Xin’s creation, and Mu Chunfeng couldn’t help but praise the poem. At this time, Baixiaosheng of the martial world brought up the "Golden List of Martial Rankings" again, announcing the Weapon Ranking and the Fine Jade Ranking.

In the past, Lei Hong, Lei Yunhe, and Li Hanyi had all appeared on these lists, but now they had been replaced by younger disciples like Lei Wujie, Sikong Qianluo, and Luo Mingxuan. The top of the list was shared by Wu Xin and Wu Shuang. Once the Golden List was announced, a disciple of the Hall of All Knowledge suddenly mentioned the "Supreme List," which caused a huge stir like thunderclaps.

This list had been hidden for decades and was reappearing in the world, signaling an oncoming storm of bloodshed. As the name implied, it ranked the absolute best. It only had a first and second place—those ranked second would always yearn for the top, while the top would face challenges from the entire martial world. The Supreme List was divided into four tiers. The top tier included the Furious Sword Immortal Yan Zhantian, Dantai Po, Xie Xuan, and Li Tian.

The third tier included Sikong Changfeng, the Moon-Picking Lord, and Tang Lianyue. The second tier had Luo Qingyang and Baili Dongjun. The most puzzling name in the top tier was Mo Yi, which confused all the disciples. As the questioning grew louder, everyone looked at Sikong Changfeng, but he had never heard of this name. Far away in Tianqi, Qi Tianchen suddenly sensed something long lost.

As the ship neared Three Snake Island, Mu Chunfeng, considering that Xiao Se didn’t have long to live, decided not to waste their time catching snakes. Upon parting, Tang Lian gifted Mu Chunfeng with Tang Clan poison. Soon after, they encountered Ye Ruoyi, who could read the stars. The five of them set sail in a small boat and finally reached the legendary immortal island of Penglai.

A massive island appeared before them, filled with towering trees, singing birds, and mist-covered peaks. The white-robed immortal Mo Yi descended from the sky. Though he was sixty-five years old, he looked like a youth. With a wave of his sleeve, he relieved everyone's fatigue and immediately saw that Xiao Se and Ye Ruoyi were afflicted with terminal illness. Ye Ruoyi felt that Mo Yi seemed familiar and was inexplicably uneasy but chose to wait and observe.

Mo Yi knew Xiao Se’s purpose and agreed to treat him and Ye Ruoyi, on the condition that they exchange something in return—to help him defy fate. As for what that meant, Mo Yi didn’t elaborate, only saying it would be revealed tomorrow. After Mo Yi left, Lei Wujie complained that even immortals made deals.

Tang Lian didn’t mind and believed that Mo Yi was more like someone who had stepped into the Mystic Realm—walking on air and moving instantly, far beyond the Realm of Freedom. But Xiao Se sensed that Mo Yi harbored deep obsessions. When he spoke of wishes, his gaze was like an abyss—perhaps he had fallen from immortality into demonic ways. The others shuddered at the thought.

At this moment, Qi Tianchen stood in the Astronomical Observatory, recalling how, in his youth, he followed his master, Daoist Qingfeng, and encountered Mo Yi selling himself to bury his sister. Because of his extraordinary talents, Mo Yi became the second-ranked Daoist within three years, just below Qingfeng. At that time, he was only nine years old—his talent was unparalleled. If he had stayed in Beili, he would surely have become the number one person in the world.

However, despite studying countless Daoist methods and witnessing the suffering of the world, Mo Yi never found a way to resurrect the dead. Birth, aging, illness, and death are part of the natural order—trying to reverse them is a path of demons. Clearly, Mo Yi had broken a great taboo in an attempt to bring his sister back to life.

Tang Lian visited Mo Yi alone, hoping to ask about Baili Dongjun’s whereabouts, only to find that Mo Yi had lost all his previous warmth and smile. Now Mo Yi's tone was cold and arrogant. The so-called “supreme detachment from emotions”—this was the true nature of an immortal.

Although Tang Lian was already ranked third on the Fine Jade Ranking and had reached a realm of ease that many could not achieve, he had no strength to fight back in front of Mo Yi and was immediately locked in a cave, unable to find a way out. Looking around, he finally saw Baili Dongjun drunk nearby, surrounded by wine bottles—inside them was the very Mengpo Soup he had long dreamed of.

The so-called Meng Po Soup is the most magical wine in the world. It can cause people to fall into dreams, recall the past, and become so deeply immersed that they struggle to awaken. Therefore, for Bai Li Dongjun to truly wake up, he had to rely on his own willpower. In his dream, he revisited his youth—handsome and gallant, with a gifted girl by his side—yet a destined romance still ended in regret.

After ten more years in a great dream, camellias filled the sky as Bai Li Dongjun reunited with Yue Yao, just like their first meeting. Sadly, in all his preparations over the years, Bai Li Dongjun had completely forgotten that Yue Yao had died and her soul had dissipated. Even after drinking Meng Po Soup, it was all just an illusion. Life is a great dream; death is the ultimate awakening.

Under Yue Yao’s guidance, Bai Li Dongjun awoke as if from a dream, and the past became smoke and clouds. After this great awakening, Bai Li Dongjun entered the realm of divine wandering and then left the cave with Tang Lian. Meanwhile, Mo Yi arrived as promised to meet Xiao Se and the others. A trace of eerie light flashed in his eyes as he looked at Ye Ruoyi.

Lei Wujie drew his sword, Sikong Qianluo leaped with her spear, and Ye Ruoyi swung her sleeves—three of them moved together, forming a Three Talents Array to encircle Mo Yi. However, Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo had never studied Daoist techniques. Relying on Ye Ruoyi alone was not enough to hold out for long. Mo Yi flicked his fingers, breaking the barrier and easily suppressing Xiao Se and his group.

Lei Wujie, in order to save Ye Ruoyi, forcefully entered the Xiaoyao Heavenly Realm, but he was still no match for Mo Yi and was quickly severely injured. Fortunately, Bai Li Dongjun arrived in time and saw through Mo Yi’s intent—to use Ye Ruoyi’s body to carry his sister’s soul, essentially bringing her back from the dead by borrowing another's body. Enraged by Bai Li Dongjun’s obstruction, Mo Yi ignored his persuasion and attacked first.

In an instant, the two soared into the air. After one move, wind and rain stirred in all directions, and thunder and lightning surged. The disciples of the Astronomical Observatory observed celestial anomalies and personally set up a ritual for Qi Tianchen, aiding his divine journey to Penglai Immortal Mountain. Qi Tianchen and Mo Yi were fellow disciples who hadn’t seen each other in decades. Time had changed all.

Out of gratitude to their master, Mo Yi willingly accepted three strikes from Qi Tianchen’s horsetail whisk and remained unscathed. When the third kneel ended, the world seemed to stand still. Although Qi Tianchen and Bai Li Dongjun knew they were not Mo Yi’s match, they still fought with all their strength. Never before had three cultivators in the Divine Wandering Realm appeared at once.

In this clash of titans, they used their legs as sword hilts, bodies as blades, and fists as sword tips—becoming one with the sword in both form and spirit. Under the combined assault of Qi Tianchen and Bai Li Dongjun, even someone as powerful as Mo Yi could no longer stay composed and had to respond defensively. Lei Wujie recalled that driving out demons required the combined power of the three teachings—Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

Since he had studied the Invincible Demon-Subduing Fist from Wu Xin, he chose to forcefully reenter the Xiaoyao Heavenly Realm and launched punch after punch at Mo Yi. At the critical moment, Xiao Se noticed something unusual on Mo Yi’s face, suspecting he was falling into the Ghost Path. Using Sikong Qianluo’s spear, he approached Mo Yi. As expected, Xiao Se activated the Heart Demon Lure, changing the scenery around Mo Yi.

First, he encountered the immortal version of himself, and then he saw the truth of the past. Mo Yi had always believed that his sister was killed by the coldness of the world, but in reality, she chose death to avoid being a burden to him. In an instant, the illusion vanished, and Mo Yi’s eyes cleared.

Grateful to Xiao Se for saving him, he repaid him with internal energy to restore his meridians, allowing him to regain his strength and resume cultivation in the future. After healing Xiao Se, Mo Yi also used his energy to protect Ye Ruoyi’s heart meridian. As long as she doesn’t suffer severe injuries in this life, she will be no different from an ordinary person.

Because of this incident, Mo Yi decided to enter seclusion for cultivation and earnestly requested Bai Li Dongjun to protect him. Bai Li Dongjun readily agreed and chose to remain on Penglai Immortal Island. As for matters in Xueyue City, he had entrusted them to Sikong Changfeng and reminded Tang Lian that it was time for the younger generation to take on responsibility. Every year, the capital Tianqi holds a sacrificial ceremony, but this year was different.

Everyone speculated whether Ming Dedi would select a new crown prince, and who the candidate might be. Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, believed that their father might not write Xiao Chuhe’s name, as doing so would surely invite danger and resistance. In Xiao Chong’s view, although their sixth brother had been exiled by Ming Dedi years ago, seemingly without care for his safety, who could say exile wasn’t a form of protection? After all, Tianqi City was the most dangerous place.

In contrast, Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, was proud and confident that he would firmly secure the crown prince position. He believed he had enough leverage to eliminate Xiao Chuhe, using Xiao Chong’s hand to remove his greatest enemy. On the journey back east, Mu Chunfeng said they were all still youths—unashamed in defeat, humble in victory, holding swords in hand and purpose in heart. Lei Wujie harbored suspicions, curious whether his encounter with Xiao Se at Snowfall Villa was truly fate or something Xiao Se had orchestrated.

On the day of the sacrificial ceremony, everyone was fully dressed and assembled outside the Tai’an Hall, awaiting Ming Dedi’s appearance. However, as the grand doors slowly opened and Ming Dedi, dressed in dragon regalia, walked out, he suddenly collapsed before he could speak. The imperial physicians diagnosed it as a heart condition—temporarily non-fatal, but without a cure. For three consecutive days, Ming Dedi remained mostly unconscious, waking only three times to issue three decrees.

The first decree appointed Xiao Yueli and Grand Preceptor Dong Zhu to jointly oversee the state, managing all affairs of Northern Li. The second ordered Tianqi City to be sealed for a month—no officials below second rank could enter or leave, and those above must remain at their posts. The third was a secret decree, personally delivered by Eunuch Jinyan to General Ye’s residence. Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu both guessed that Ming Dedi’s condition was dire.

These three decrees conveyed three intentions—entrusting the nation, preventing chaos, and shaking hearts. Because Ming Dedi’s purpose was so clear, while it temporarily suppressed dissent, it also revealed the severity of his illness. Now, the threshold of the General’s estate was almost worn down by visitors, yet none knew the secret decree was blank. Clearly, Ming Dedi intended to use Ye Xiaoying’s influence to intimidate the court, leaving him with no easy way out.

Meanwhile, the imperial physicians were helpless against the heart condition, and Xiao Yueli immediately thought of the Little Medical Immortal Hua Jin and entrusted Dong Zhu with handling state affairs. Due to the upheaval in Tianqi City, Xiao Se considered it time to return home. Sikong Qianluo wished to accompany him but was refused.

Then Lord Langya’s son, Xiao Lingchen, suddenly appeared and shared what he had been through recently, strengthening Xiao Se’s resolve to return to Tianqi and uncover the truth—only by doing so could he honor his late uncle’s spirit. Xiao Yueli obtained Hua Jin’s consent and invited her to personally treat Ming Dedi, accidentally discovering Lei Wujie had made significant progress in cultivation.

Before departing, Xiao Se met with Sikong Changfeng alone and learned the real reason Xiao Lingchen had shown up. Although Sikong Changfeng resented Ming Dedi, he admitted that as an emperor, Ming Dedi had brought peace and prosperity to Northern Li. Though he wronged Lord Langya, he had a clear conscience toward the people. Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu, upon receiving word from their subordinates that Xiao Se had set out for Tianqi, reacted very differently.

Xiao Yu had already prepared an ambush for Xiao Se, while Xiao Chong preferred to observe from the sidelines, appearing involved but actually remaining outside the fray. At the same time, Hua Jin examined Ming Dedi’s heart condition, estimating a month would be needed for treatment. Xiao Yueli, upon hearing that an assassin had infiltrated the palace, had no idea it was Wu Xin.

After clashing with the head eunuch, Wu Xin was gravely wounded and went into hiding, hoping Xiao Se would return soon to rescue him. Once Xiao Se wrapped up his affairs, he left the city alone. Sikong Changfeng knew the journey would be full of dangers. Though Xueyue City did not favor getting involved in conflicts, they would never allow themselves to be slaughtered.

Therefore, Sikong Changfeng and Yin Luoxia prepared a map and predicted who would try to stop Xiao Se. First was the Luocheng Army under Xiao Yu’s command. General Cheng Luoying received orders to intercept Xiao Se. Next, to the northeast, was the unparalleled Wushuang City, more like Xiao Chong’s hidden card than Dark River or the Tang Clan. Meanwhile, in the southwest, Dark River would surely send the three family heads to ambush.

Sikong Changfeng ordered Yin Luoxia to issue the Thousand City Command. After sending off Sikong Qianluo, he decided to face the Lord of Muliang City, Luo Qingyang, alone. Shortly after, a crimson firework bloomed in the sky. Tang Lian bid farewell to his master, Tang Lianyue, and set off with seven bottles of wine. On Sword Heart Cliff, Li Hanyi reminded Lei Wujie to leave the tomb.

To enter the Sword Immortal Realm, he must experience life and death to gain true understanding. Ye Ruoyi, on behalf of her father, commanded the army and led the troops to rescue Xiao Se. Xiao Yueli, upon learning that Xiao Se had left Xueyue City alone, immediately summoned 800 elite Tiger Guards to clear the road ahead. Commander Li Changqing hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed to deploy them at Xiao Yueli’s request.

After Xiao Yueli departed, Qi Tianchen sighed emotionally and confided in Eunuch Jin Xuan that back then, all the princes were sent to fiefdoms—except the youngest, Xiao Yueli. Ming Dedi had never intended to be emperor himself.

At the same time, Xiao Yueli gathered 800 Tiger Cavalrymen to ride out of the city. The soldiers were full of fervor and fully armed as they rushed toward the gates. Lei Wujie had been waiting on the official road for a long time until the senior disciple, Lu Yuzhai, appeared. Declaring himself as a Qinglong Guardian, he drew his Heart Sword, blocking the opponent’s spear like a swimming dragon, while also using his silver tongue to buy time.

Lu Yuzhai’s spear technique and cultivation were inferior, and he was easily angered by Lei Wujie. After several exchanges, he failed to gain any advantage. Due to Lei Wujie’s overpowering sword energy, the swordfighters of Wushuang City were swiftly defeated—victory was clearly in sight. Yet at the critical moment, Song Yanhui descended from the sky and exchanged over ten moves with Lei Wujie in a match that ended evenly.

Lei Wujie rebuked Song Yanhui for losing his sword heart and forgetting the true meaning of drawing his sword. The swordsman who once bore the world in his heart and fought evil with righteousness was no more. Song Yanhui was moved by these words and suddenly realized that over the years, he had drawn his sword only to defeat Xueyue City, forgetting his original purpose. So he stepped aside and let Lei Wujie pass.

Chen Hu led the Luocheng army in a rapid assault but was suddenly blocked by a lone figure ahead—Sikong Qianluo, wielding a silver spear, the Zhuque Guardian of the South. She stood alone against thousands, her spear dancing like a dragon. One by one, steeds fell before her, and soldiers were thrown from their horses. Soon, hundreds of soldiers lay dead, yet Sikong Qianluo did not retreat an inch.

Just as Chen Hu launched another attack, Ye Ruoyi arrived with reinforcements. Upon seeing their general slain, the enemy soldiers fled in panic. Sikong Qianluo and Ye Ruoyi regrouped and set off together for Tianqi. Meanwhile, in Muliang City, Ji Xue—daughter of the Baihu-ranked Ji Ruofeng—encountered Sikong Changfeng and spoke about the reason Baixiao Hall reopened the Martial Rankings.

Sikong Changfeng noticed she was delivering a wine flask to Luo Qingyang and learned from her that Muliang was once a prosperous city. Unfortunately, climate shifts forced the residents to migrate south, turning it into a desolate place mockingly called "Melancholy City. " After gifting the wine to Luo Qingyang, Ji Xue left, and Sikong Changfeng couldn’t help but admire her—far surpassing her father as the heir to Baixiao Hall.

In contrast to the sunny or stormy weather in other places, it was constantly raining where Tang Lian was. Sitting in a teahouse, he sipped a strong brew called "Old Distilled Fire. " With the assassins of Dark River yet to arrive, Tang Lian gave a silver ingot to the teahouse owner and told him to flee. Sensing danger, the owner bolted in fear. On his way back to Tianqi, Xiao Se encountered the Furious Sword Immortal.

Expecting a fierce duel, he was surprised when the Immortal, seeing that Xiao Se had only just entered the Vajra Mortal Realm, deemed him unworthy of a fight. Before leaving, the Immortal left a challenge—when Xiao Se became a true master, they would duel for real. Xiao Yueli had waited outside the city for some time before finally seeing Xiao Se gallop in. The 800 Tiger Cavalrymen parted to let him through. Soon after, Ye Ruoyi and Sikong Changfeng arrived.

Seeing that they had protected Xiao Se from an earlier wave of enemies, Xiao Yueli chose not to obstruct them. Shortly after he left, Lei Wujie appeared on horseback. The three were reunited and believed Tang Lian, with his abilities, would surely reach Tianqi as well. Back at the teahouse, now in ruins with broken tables and chairs, Tang Lian laid out seven cups of "Starlight Wine. " With each sip, his aura intensified.

Though the wine could raise one’s cultivation briefly, it came with excruciating pain—drinking all seven meant certain death. After the sixth cup, all Dark River assassins lay dead—only Xie Qidao remained. But the intense battle left Tang Lian exhausted. As Xie Qidao summoned seven killing auras, Tang Lian unhesitatingly drank the final cup. With all seven Starlight Wines in his belly, he launched his final move, defeating Xie Qidao and emerging victorious. However, the victory came at a cost.

Severely injured, Tang Lian collapsed. Memories from his childhood to the present flashed before his eyes—waiting in vain for his parents to return, being taken in by Tang Lianyue as a disciple, and later apprenticing under Baili Dongjun.

Dressed in a green robe, Xiao Se rode straight to Tianqi’s gates, reined in his horse, with Lei Wujie and Ye Ruoyi close behind. Everyone was present—except senior brother Tang Lian. Within a day, news had spread throughout Tianqi that the current Prince Yong'an, formerly the sixth prince Xiao Chuhe who once dominated Tianqi, had returned. Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, was displeased, while Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, expressed willingness to compete for the crown fairly.

Xiao Se led everyone to a manor named after Snowfall Villa, where they met the old steward, Uncle Xu. Xiao Yueli personally came to speak with Xiao Se. In a brief exchange, he revealed that the little physician fairy Hua Jin was in Tianqi treating Ming Dedi. Upon hearing that Xiao Se had met an immortal on Penglai Island, Hua Jin was overjoyed and expressed a desire to become that immortal’s disciple if given the chance.

A full day had passed since Xiao Se and the others entered Tianqi, and invitations to Snowfall Villa were arriving like falling snowflakes—but all were intercepted by Uncle Xu. Clearly, they were still waiting for the senior brother to return. That night, however, devastating news arrived from Xueyue City’s intelligence web—Tang Lian had died. The three present could not accept the truth, with Lei Wujie especially heartbroken. At Tang Clan, Tang Lianyue set up a memorial hall.

Sikong Changfeng arrived to pay his respects, bringing Tang Lian’s favorite wine, hoping he would never forget the taste of romance and adventure, no matter how far he had gone. Sikong Qianluo sat at the door in tears, mourning her senior brother. Xiao Se was just as grieved and swore to avenge him.

Because of this, Xiao Se met privately with Ye Ruoyi and decided to host a grand banquet in Tianqi City, inviting all the powerful figures—not only to intimidate and announce their presence but to lure out hidden enemies. Ye Ruoyi offered to act as Xiao Se’s strategist and personally drafted the guest list—comprising royals, nobles, high officials, military generals, and wealthy merchants.

The royals represented the Xiao royal family; the nobles stood for the great clans; the generals backed the Northern Li military; and the merchants controlled Tianqi’s economy. As for the banquet’s venue, Xiao Se went against convention and chose Tianqi’s largest casino—Qianjin Terrace. He took Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo to the casino and explained his intention. After a moment of thought, the owner, Master Tu, agreed to host the imperial banquet there.

In a short time, news of Xiao Chuhe hosting a banquet at Qianjin Terrace spread across Tianqi—not under the name of Prince Yong'an, but simply as "Xiao Se. " Those without invitations felt regret, knowing they didn’t hold enough weight in his eyes, while those with invitations were uneasy—Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu naturally would not attend, and everyone began calculating their alliances.

State Preceptor Qi Tianchen predicted a bloodbath at the banquet but still sent a modest gift to Prince Yong'an’s manor. Ye Ruoyi and others knew that more than half of the invited guests wouldn’t show up. Yet Ye Xiaoying was unfazed, his only concern being the absence of one crucial name on the list—someone of great importance to Xiao Se. The next afternoon, Qianjin Terrace was set with fine nanmu wood tables, with attendants bustling about.

The banquet was set to last from dusk till midnight. For years, no one in Tianqi dared host such a grand imperial feast. Yet with both sides lined up to welcome guests, none arrived—until Jiudaotong, head steward of Destiny Pavilion, appeared with disciples of the Three Gates and Nineteen Houses. Though part of a fringe alliance in Tianqi, the Three Gates and Nineteen Houses had wide influence across industries.

Previously, Xiao Yu had tried to win them over to no avail, assuming they had joined Xiao Chong, but they were actually loyal to the sixth prince. Back then, Jiudaotong was a lowborn servant subjected to humiliation—until he gained the favor of Xiao Chuhe, earning his lifelong loyalty. Still, Jiudaotong’s appearance wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu.

While it showed Xiao Se’s ability to befriend street-level forces, if these were the only allies he could muster, his prestige would surely suffer. Just as everyone awaited the next guest, Mu Chunfeng grandly entered Tianqi. Though he hadn’t arrived at Qianjin Terrace yet, his reputation preceded him, further strengthening Xiao Se’s presence.

After the carriage convoy entered Tianqi City, Mu Chunfeng generously spent a fortune to relieve the disaster victims, and instructed Chunfeng Pavilion to prepare a community feast in the name of Prince Yong'an, Xiao Chuhe, to treat the entire city. The commoners were full of praise, and Mu Chunfeng further sent people to collect rent from all the shops, with the aim of intimidating the opposition.

Because Mu Chunfeng personally arrived at Qianjin Terrace, the four major merchants followed one after another. Over the years, they had aligned themselves with Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, and if not forced by the situation, they would never attend the banquet. Xiao Se took the initiative to invite Mu Chunfeng to the honored seat on the second floor and promised to help him become the disciple of the Little Doctor Immortal.

Mu Chunfeng was overjoyed and unexpectedly learned the real name of the Little Doctor Immortal. Though the Mu family of Qingzhou was wealthy enough to rival a nation, they were still merchants in the end. Xiao Se delayed the start of the banquet—the occasion was grand, but the guests were far too few. The brothers from the Three Gates and Nineteen Prefectures remained silent, their expressions a little awkward. Soon, the neighing of horses was heard from outside.

Marquis Lanyue, Xiao Yueli, dismounted and entered Qianjin Terrace. Lord Tu observed Xiao Se's expression and could tell that Xiao Yueli was not the person Xiao Se had been waiting for. But it was a complete surprise when Xiao Yueli brought Dong Zhu along. It was well known that this senior official who had served under three emperors was upright and incorrupt for fifty years, uninvolved in factional politics, and connected to no powerful families.

He was one who could sit beside the emperor. After the Lord Langya case, he rarely attended banquets. Now that he appeared in person, this alone was enough to demonstrate Xiao Se’s stature. Sure enough, the news spread quickly. The six ministries of the court couldn’t sit still and rushed to Qianjin Terrace. In no time, the hall was filled with distinguished guests.

Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, was furious in his heart, while also watching Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, become the subject of ridicule. After all, Xiao Chong respected his teachers and valued morality. With the Grand Preceptor present, how could he dare be absent? Just as he finished speaking, Qi Tianchen leisurely arrived at the banquet, stunning all the officials and elite figures of Tianqi.

At this grand banquet, two Regents and the Grand Preceptor appeared one after another, making the event unmatched in grandeur. The pressure finally shifted to the Xiao royal family. As the voice of Qianjin Terrace’s attendants rang out again, Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu arrived late—one warm and indifferent, the other proud and arrogant. Though they were once deeply bonded brothers, they had since become bitter rivals, and now had to sit at the same table.

Xiao Se sat calmly at the host's seat on the high platform, observing the scene quietly while the guests conversed, until Fairy Rui came to his side. Seeing that it was about time, Xiao Se raised his cup in a toast and suddenly pulled open the stone curtain on Qianjin Terrace. The word "Offering" appeared solemnly, filling the scene with a chilling solemnity. Lei Wujie and the others all donned mourning robes.

Immediately, the sound of drums began, accompanied by the melancholic tune of a zither. Xiao Se struck the stone wall with his sword, inscribing two lines of poetry to honor Tang Lian. As the piece ended, the hall fell into silence. The maids streamed into Qianjin Terrace like flowing water, each carrying a bowl of bean gruel and rice—plain dishes, just simple rice mixed with tofu soup.

Xiao Se and Mu Chunfeng took turns explaining, followed by Qi Tianchen and Dong Zhu who led by example and began eating. Only then did the guests understand: this so-called imperial banquet was actually a funeral. If they did not finish the bean gruel and rice today, it would be a grave disrespect to the deceased, and they wouldn’t be able to leave Qianjin Terrace. The guests each reached out for the food, including Lord Bai, Xiao Chong.

Only Xiao Yu, with his subordinate Long Xie, walked straight out toward the exit. Just as Xiao Se stepped forward to stop him, Emperor Mingde suddenly arrived. The four Grand Supervisors led the way with great momentum. Xiao Se led everyone to kneel in unison to welcome him. Emperor Mingde spoke to Xiao Se from behind the curtain and, in full view of the crowd, began to eat the bean gruel and rice.

Upon hearing that the eldest disciple of Xueyue City had passed away, he paused in silence, then sighed that Xiao Se had grown up and could now do whatever he wished. These few seemingly casual words revealed an undeniable truth—Xiao Se was still the favored son of heaven, the son Emperor Mingde valued most, and once the Crown Prince, Xiao Chuhe. After Emperor Mingde returned to the palace, the banquet at Qianjin Terrace officially ended. The guests gradually left in groups, while Hua Jin chose to stay behind and reminisce with Xiao Se and the others.

After the banquet at Qianjin Terrace ended, discussions about the grand event continued in every corner of Tianqi City. Xiao Se could have seized this opportunity to negotiate with the powerful elites. Had he done so, he could have completely crushed the ambitions of Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu to become Crown Prince. But Xiao Se was ultimately not like them—he only wanted to avenge his senior brother, Tang Lian.

It was this loyalty that drew more people to support him wholeheartedly. Mu Chunfeng arranged a meeting with the four major merchants, warning them not to become obstacles in Xiao Se’s path. Though they were influential in Tianqi City, they feared the power of the Mu family of Qingzhou. The Mu family’s deliberate involvement meant that this matter was non-negotiable.

After warning the merchants, Mu Chunfeng then formally acknowledged Hua Jin as his teacher and offered her the Qiu Residence, filled with rare medicinal herbs, as a sign of his sincerity. Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, returned to his residence in a fury and ordered Long Xie to send word to the man in the black robe. Through him, he learned that although Emperor Mingde appeared healthy, he had not actually recovered.

Because of the emperor’s favoritism toward Xiao Se, Xiao Yu decided to set an example by having the Dark River assassinate Jiujiudao, and he also planned to use Grand Preceptor Dong Zhu’s death to stir up unrest in court. The news of Jiujiudao's assassination reached the Marquis Yong'an's residence. Xiao Se, Lei Wujie, and the others saw Jiujiudao’s body at Qianjin Terrace and discovered he was poisoned before being slain by two sword strikes. They were shocked and grieved.

The outside world knew Xiao Chong had been to Dark River, so most suspicion naturally pointed toward him. However, Xiao Se was well aware that this was a scheme to kill with a borrowed knife—someone using Xiao Chong’s hand to kill Xiao Se, planning to reap the benefits alone. Therefore, Xiao Se believed that Jiujiudao was not Xiao Yu’s only target. He secretly instructed Sikong Qianluo to protect Dong Zhu, confirming his own suspicions.

That night, Grand Preceptor Dong Zhu went out for a walk as usual, only for Su Muyu to attempt an assassination. Unexpectedly, Dong Zhu’s steward turned out to be the King of Killers, Li Tian. This assassin had held the top rank of the League of Assassins for thirteen consecutive years, outshining the entire Dark River. Later, he was ambushed by dozens of top experts at Mount Qilei and was severely injured before disappearing.

It now appeared that he had survived thanks to Dong Zhu’s help. Even if he had not regained his former strength, Su Muyu might still not be his match. While Su Muyu fought Li Tian, Mu Yumo, hiding in the shadows, tried to ambush Dong Zhu but was driven off by Sikong Qianluo. In the end, the two saw things going badly and fled. Dong Zhu remained safe.

When he saw Sikong Qianluo, he was almost certain that Xiao Se already knew who was behind Dark River. It was common knowledge that Grand Preceptor Dong Zhu had never been involved in political factions. For decades, he remained unchanged. Killing Dong Zhu wouldn’t affect anyone's place on the scroll, but it would deliver a fatal blow to the entire government and the nation.

Xiao Se recalled how, in their youth, he, Xiao Chong, and Xiao Yu had studied under the Confucian Sword Immortal, Xie Xuan. Each chose a different imperial path: Xiao Chong followed the Way of the Monarch, Xiao Yu the Path of the Tyrant. These opposing ideologies were exactly why Xiao Se believed Xiao Yu was the true mastermind behind Dark River.

Now that Xiao Chong had reported to Emperor Mingde requesting a full investigation into the assassination attempt by Dark River, Xiao Se immediately took Lei Wujie to the Hundred Knowings Hall. They met with the six Iron-Faced Judges until the new Hall Master, White Tiger, appeared. White Tiger revealed that the one who had gravely wounded Xiao Se years ago was the Eunuch Zhuoqing, master of the five Grand Supervisors.

He had practiced the powerful and extremely Yin technique called “Empty Mind. ” Unfortunately, none of his five disciples had mastered it. With Zhuoqing dead and the trail gone cold, it would be very difficult to dig deeper. Xiao Se came to White Tiger for three things: first, all information about the scroll; second, to investigate all poison experts who entered Tianqi City in the past year and had not yet left; and finally, to find out Wu Xin’s whereabouts.

At that moment, Wu Xin was recovering from his injuries at Jin Xian’s residence. Fortunately, his wounds were no longer serious and he could move freely. Jin Xian asked about his reason for entering the palace, and Wu Xin frankly admitted he wanted to see the Declared Consort. He also marveled at how there were still martial arts masters like Jin Xian in Tianqi City.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu personally visited the Declared Consort and was clearly displeased with her indifference and coldness. The Declared Consort was surprised upon hearing Wu Xin’s name. Xiao Yu lied that Wu Xin had returned to the Tianwaitian Sect. Sikong Qianluo, curious about the relationship between Ye Ruoyi and Xiao Se, asked how they first met. Ye Ruoyi described them as childhood sweethearts, a match made in heaven, with all the ideal traits lovers should possess.

This made Sikong Qianluo worry again that Ye Ruoyi might have feelings for Xiao Se, but Ye Ruoyi tactfully denied it. After Hua Jin finished treating Emperor Mingde, she stepped out of the palace gate and happened to meet Jin Yu, the Supervisor of Records. Jin Yu had come to invite her to treat someone’s eye condition. Hua Jin was unsure what to do for the moment, so she went to Prince Yong’an’s mansion to discuss a solution. Xiao Se instantly thought of Lord Bai, Xiao Chong.

Although Xiao Chong had been poisoned for more than twenty years, Hua Jin was confident in curing him. Xiao Se agreed to let Hua Jin go to Lord Bai's manor and instructed her to disclose that it was under his direction. Meanwhile, Ji Xue broke into Prince Yong’an’s residence at night, but was blocked by Sikong Qianluo. The two fought and revealed their identities in the process.

Mu Chunfeng fell in love with Ji Xue at first sight, but unfortunately, Ji Xue was cold and aloof. Her purpose this time was to inform Xiao Se of Wu Xin’s whereabouts. That night, Xiao Se went to Hongfu Inn to meet Wu Xin, checked his pulse, and found that he had been poisoned. He also guessed that Wu Xin had entered the palace to meet the Declared Consort.

Wu Xin neither confirmed nor denied it, but the doubts buried in his heart for years were finally about to be resolved. Xiao Se revealed the Declared Consort’s hardships and promised to help him enter the palace again. However, Xiao Se alone wasn’t enough to help Wu Xin. He privately sought out Jin Xian and invited her to assist, offering her “freedom” as the condition.

Years ago, Shen Jingzhou of the Snowstorm Sword longed for the martial world; he was never meant to be trapped in Tianqi City, much less to guard the imperial tomb in the future. So he promised that Jin Xian would one day return to the martial world and reclaim her true identity as Shen Jingzhou. Inside Lord Chi’s manor, a secret chamber was constructed, where a beautiful assassin—Yue Ji, who had vanished for a long time—was imprisoned.

During this period, Yue Ji endured inhumane torture, yet still clung to her sanity. Xiao Yu deemed her a qualified and excellent assassin, but compared to Wu Xin, she was far inferior. Soon after, with the arrangement of Xiao Se and Jin Xian, Wu Xin disguised himself as a junior eunuch and sneaked into the palace. During the process, he faced body searches and inspection from a senior eunuch but luckily wasn’t exposed.

Wu Xin arrived at Jingtai Palace and saw the Declared Consort, and also saw the spirit tablet in the side hall. Although mother and son didn’t recognize each other, the Declared Consort felt an inexplicable familiarity in Wu Xin’s features. While the Declared Consort was speaking with Wu Xin, Xiao Yu suddenly arrived at Jingtai Palace, claiming he had come to apologize to his mother for past actions and even brought fine tea.

While the maid poured tea, Xiao Yu noticed Wu Xin nearby and deliberately brought him up. As expected, the Declared Consort reacted sensitively and warned Xiao Yu not to harm his own brother. Xiao Yu was furious upon hearing this. He resented that his mother, once the emperor’s favorite consort, had brought disgrace upon herself by falling in love with another man, thus implicating him.

He endured countless ridicule and scorn since childhood, while the Declared Consort remained hidden away and never cared for him. After Xiao Yu stormed off, Wu Xin emerged from the side hall to chat with the Declared Consort, listening as she spoke of the secrets circulating in the Northern Li imperial palace. It turned out that she had truly intended to elope with Ye Dingzhi, but they were separated by a schemer.

Someone lied that Xiao Yu was gravely ill and tricked her into returning to the palace, making Ye Dingzhi believe she desired wealth and power. When Ye Dingzhi was besieged by various martial sects and heard on his deathbed that the Declared Consort had planned to escape with him to Nanjue, he realized the truth too late, felt deep regret, and ultimately took his own life.

When Wu Xin learned the truth, a wave of emotions surged in his heart, but he didn’t reveal his identity. He simply recounted his life story in a subtle way. The Declared Consort was moved by the young man in front of her, but suddenly lost consciousness and fainted. Only then did Wu Xin realize Xiao Yu had poisoned the tea.

As Wu Xin began channeling energy to expel the poison, Xiao Yu reappeared and transferred the poison into Wu Xin’s body, rendering him fully poisoned. Xiao Se waited anxiously but did not receive any news from Wu Xin. Instead, Ji Xue from Baixiao Hall arrived. Currently, all poison masters in Tianqi City were on a list, and Xiao Se immediately zeroed in on one name—Night Crow, the ghost doctor who had long disappeared.

Once part of the three prodigies of Medicine King Valley—Medicine King Xin Baicao, Divine Doctor Bian Suchen, and Ghost Doctor Night Crow—she was the youngest, yet her use of medicine was the most bizarre. She was eventually expelled for researching forbidden techniques. Rumor had it she died due to backlash from her experiments, but Baixiao Hall found traces of her in Tianqi six months ago. Due to her exceptional lightness skills, her trail was lost—unbeknownst to all, she was hiding in Lord Chi’s manor.

Wu Xin did not leave the palace as scheduled. When the news reached Prince Yong’an’s residence, Xiao Se, Ye Ruoyi, and the others suspected that he was hiding in Jingtai Palace, likely intending to take the Declared Consort with him. While they spoke, Ji Xue suddenly appeared and showed everyone the updated Gold Rankings. Since the last martial competition rankings were announced, only a few months had passed, but the martial world had already seen shocking changes.

The Hundred Weapons List remained unchanged, but Lei Hong and Wushuang both became Sword Immortals and entered the Supreme List. Lei Wujie was happy for them and noted that he himself ranked third on the Excellent Jade List, with the second spot left vacant. Meanwhile, Luo Mingxuan and Xiao Se were tied for first.

With Mo Yi the immortal in seclusion and Baili Dongjun not returning, Supreme List leader Luo Qingyang had become the greatest obstacle for Xiao Se and the others—there was no one in the world who could match him now. After viewing the Gold Rankings, everyone went about their tasks, leaving Ji Xue and Xiao Se to speak privately.

Ji Xue felt that Xiao Se should not have sent Hua Jin to Lord Bai’s manor, as Lord Bai Xiao Chong had two Sword Immortals at his side. If his sight were restored, he might become a threat to Xiao Se. But Xiao Se still harbored guilt toward Xiao Chong. Although he disapproved of Xiao Chong’s past actions, that didn’t conflict with his personal remorse.

Because Hua Jin agreed to treat Xiao Chong’s eye disease, she had become a thorn in Xiao Yu’s side. If he wanted to eliminate her, there was one way to strengthen the assassins of Dark River. Xiao Chong personally summoned the Furious Sword Immortal and the Ninth Prince Xiao Jinxia, soon followed by the arrival of Hua Jin and Mu Chunfeng. After examining Xiao Chong, Hua Jin confirmed her suspicions.

In the name of the eleventh generation Medicine King of Medicine King Valley, she guaranteed a cure—on the condition of exchanging one pair of eyes for another. Before leaving, she told Xiao Chong that she came not only under Xiao Se’s direction but also at Emperor Mingde’s request, showing that familial affection still existed among the Xiao clan. Xiao Chong was slightly moved upon hearing this.

Hua Jin didn’t reveal the treatment method to Xiao Chong because Cang Ming had repeatedly hinted for her to refrain. Seeing his signals, she went outside to talk. Furious Sword Immortal waited at the door until Hua Jin appeared and publicly expressed gratitude with a salute. Even Mu Chunfeng found it incredible that one of the four so-called demon lords of the martial world cared so much for his disciple Xiao Chong.

Little did he know that Xiao Chong had once saved his life. After Furious Sword Immortal left, Hua Jin honestly told Cang Ming the method: for Xiao Chong to regain his sight, the donor must willingly give up both eyes. If there was even a trace of hesitation, both eyes would be lost. Hua Jin wanted to meet the person who was sacrificing his eyes, only to find out it was Cang Ming himself.

He was willing to repay Xiao Chong’s favor, and his deep loyalty earned the admiration of both Hua Jin and Mu Chunfeng. Xiao Yu took Su Changhe to the rear courtyard of the manor and finally met the infamous Ghost Doctor Night Crow. Inside another secret chamber, they found Wu Xin lying motionless with his eyes shut on a stone bed. Night Crow looked at Wu Xin with obsession, claiming he would be her most perfect creation.

She even gave Su Changhe several bottles of medicine—if Dark River assassins took one pill a day for three days, they would become medicinal puppets, allowing Dark River to dominate the martial world. Upon learning that Hua Jin would treat Xiao Chong in three days, Xiao Se instructed Ye Ruoyi to send secret guards to protect Lord Bai’s manor and decided to join forces with Xiao Chong to root out the mastermind behind the scenes.

Sikong Qianluo had been diligently training with her spear, and Xiao Se knew her feelings for him—but now was not the time for romance. Meanwhile, Lei Wujie personally escorted Ye Ruoyi home, mistakenly believing that she liked men like Xiao Se. His naive behavior left Ye Ruoyi both amused and exasperated. Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Sword Custodian Jin Wei was ordered to escort Hua Jin and Mu Chunfeng to Lord Bai’s manor.

Lei Wujie accompanied them solely to intercept the Umbrella Ghost Su Muyu. Xiao Yueli’s carriage stopped near Lord Bai’s manor. She sat inside with eyes closed until Mu Yumou led Dark River assassins to appear—her treasured blade, sealed for years, was finally about to be unsheathed. At this moment, Hua Jin visited Xiao Chong and reassured him not to worry. After the needle was inserted, he would lose consciousness and awaken with restored vision.

Outside the manor, Xiao Yu sat high up, leisurely sipping tea while watching the fight unfold—until Xiao Chong appeared with Sikong Qianluo and Furious Sword Immortal. Though the two brothers seemed calm, they each had their own plans. Countless shadows approached, and the killing curtain over Tianqi City was fully drawn.

Xiao Se and Xiao Yu made a wager: if Xiao Chong's eyesight was cured and the little doctor fairy Hua Jin remained safe and sound, then Xiao Yu would reveal Wu Xin’s whereabouts. Otherwise, Snowfall Villa would be given to Xiao Yu.

As soon as the words fell, Xiao Yueli charged out of the carriage with a blade in hand, while Lei Wujie and Jin Wei stood guard outside the room to ensure Hua Jin's treatment of Xiao Chong went undisturbed. These assassins moved swiftly and struck ruthlessly. They were not to be underestimated—the frightening part was their immunity to fatigue and pain, something even Su Muyu noticed.

Because drugged assassins could only maintain combat strength for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Xiao Yu signaled Su Changhe to summon Wu Xin. Not far off, a shadow had long been waiting atop the eaves. Dressed in a black robe with a hat brim pulled low, his face was hidden in the darkness. After a sharp whistle, Wu Xin leapt from the rooftop into the Bai Royal Residence. At that moment, he had lost his mind.

With one palm strike that seemed to blot out the sky, even the combined strength of Xiao Se, Lei Wujie, Jin Wei, and Sikong Qianluo couldn’t gain the upper hand. At the crucial moment, Xiao Se called out Wu Xin’s name, which slightly brought him back to consciousness. Xiao Yu regretted dispatching Wu Xin in such haste.

However, he still had one final card to play: the vicious Lao Jiu, Xiao Jinxia, who had long been lurking at Xiao Chong’s side. Just as Xiao Yu proudly believed himself to be the winner of the bet, Xiao Jinxia burst out of the room severely injured and died after only a few words. Once Xiao Yu and the others had left, Xiao Se and his companions hurried into the room.

Fortunately, Mu Chunfeng was unharmed, but Hua Jin was seriously wounded. Lei Wujie discovered a lotus-shaped hidden weapon beside Xiao Chong’s bed—Tang Lian's signature "Three Inches of Ground. " If someone were attacked in their sleep, the mechanism would trigger and kill the assassin in an instant. The Sword Immortal of Wrath entered from outside, saying that he had long felt something odd about Xiao Jinxia and had even personally written a letter to warn Xiao Chong to stay alert.

Unfortunately, Xiao Chong valued brotherhood and didn’t heed the warning. Meanwhile, Xiao Yu returned to his residence in a rage. Despite his careful planning, he was outmaneuvered by Xiao Se. He immediately sent someone to contact Grand Monitor Jin Xuan for help. Soon after, the Scholar Sword Immortal Xie Xuan visited Qi Tianchen to share his experiences in the martial world and news about Wu Xin. Just then, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie arrived at the Astrological Bureau.

Upon hearing that Hua Jin was severely injured, Xie Xuan hurried to the royal residence, while Xiao Se stayed behind to speak with Qi Tianchen. Xiao Se revealed Wu Xin’s recent troubles and suspected he had fallen victim to the dark sorcery of the Western Chu drugmen. Before the fall of Western Chu, mysterious alchemists would refine people into weapons with medicine. Today, only three people from Medicine King Valley might know the secret—most likely the Ghost Doctor Night Crow.

Qi Tianchen revealed the method of breaking the spell: all drugmen have a master, and the alchemist uses blood as a guide. This blood must come from a close relative—usually a parent. Upon hearing this, Xiao Se immediately thought of the Declared Consort. As Xiao Se and Lei Wujie left the Astrological Bureau, they ran into Li Fansong and Fei Xuan. The four exchanged greetings and mentioned that Su Changhe had appeared in Tianqi.

Li Fansong was now studying Confucian swordsmanship under Xie Xuan, to Lei Wujie’s admiration. Li Fansong swore to avenge his master Zhao Yuzhen. Thanks to Xie Xuan’s treatment, Hua Jin finally stabilized. The news reached the palace, and Ming Dedi learned what had happened at the Bai Royal Residence. Xiao Chong was heartbroken over Cang Ming’s sacrifice of his eyesight, and shocked by Xiao Jinxia’s betrayal.

However, he did not want rumors to spread that the Xiao imperial brothers had turned on one another, so he had Jin Yu pass a message to Xiao Yueli: publicly announce that Xiao Jinxia’s death was due to accidentally triggering a trap. Xiao Se encountered Xie Xuan outside and expressed his thanks. He then met with Xiao Yueli to discuss obtaining a drop of the Declared Consort’s blood—he would do whatever it took to save Wu Xin.

Meanwhile, Mu Yumou discovered the assassins had become drugmen, and couldn’t understand how Su Changhe had grown so cruel. But Su Muyu believed his ambition had consumed him, and now that the Dark River was entangled in the chaos, there was no turning back. Since it was a grave offense for a prince to enter the palace uninvited, Xiao Se and Lei Wujie disguised themselves as maids with Xiao Yueli’s help to sneak into Jingtai Palace.

They explained their purpose directly. The Declared Consort, willing to save her son, offered a drop of her blood. But just as Xiao Se and Lei Wujie left, Xiao Yu appeared, drawing his sword and forcing his mother not to interfere with his plans. Outside the palace, a black-robed figure blocked Xiao Se and Lei Wujie’s path. From the mask, Xiao Se recognized him as the one who had crippled his martial arts.

Even after all these years, Xiao Se was no match for him. Jin Yu arrived in time to cover their escape but ultimately died at the hands of the black-robed man—Jin Xuan.

Jin Yu, as Bai King Xiao Chong’s second master, was normally reserved and had few friends or enemies in court. First to pay respects at his funeral were the three Grand Monitors. Jin Xian, closest to Jin Yu, examined the wounds and declared that the killer must be among them—their martial arts shared a common origin. Suspicion arose among the three until Grand Monitor Jin Xuan intervened to stop it.

Soon, Xiao Chong arrived at the funeral and, upon lifting the cloth to see his second master’s face, was overwhelmed with grief. In Xiao Chong’s imagination, Jin Yu should have been a reclusive scholar or a literary man who had seen a thousand sails. Yet he looked just as he did when they first met in childhood—unchanged. Because Jin Yu had shown him immense kindness, Xiao Chong was willing to give up his throne and empire to avenge him personally.

That night, Jin Xuan blamed Xiao Yu for being too reckless, but reassured him he had found a solution—a key figure who could shake all of Tianqi City: Xiao Lingchen, the long-hidden son of Lord Langya. Meanwhile, Grand Monitor Jin Yan visited Ye Xiaoying, using the Dragon Seal Scroll to persuade him to mobilize the army and welcome Xiao Lingchen’s return to Tianqi to seize the throne.

Now, Xiao Se was ninety percent certain that Jin Xuan was the one who killed Jin Yu. However, he felt it wasn’t yet the right time to tell Xiao Chong. Ye Ruoyi asked if Xiao Se liked Sikong Qianluo, and Xiao Se confidently stated that Ye Ruoyi liked Lei Wujie—because he carried the pure innocence, justice, and kindness that everyone once had. In recent days, Hua Jin had managed to stabilize Ming Dedi’s condition.

But unless the root of his mental illness was cured, no physical treatment would help. Ming Dedi, knowing the cause of his own affliction, began to speak of his past with Lord Langya. Even the deepest brotherly bonds could be corrupted in royal courts—eventually consumed by power and turning against family. Of the three great generals of the former Langya Army, Wang Pichuan was now waiting outside Tianqi City with Xiao Lingchen.

The General’s Manor had sent fifteen spies, and the information was passed to Xiao Lingchen. Meanwhile, Ji Xue arrived at Yong’an Royal Residence and informed Xiao Se of this, revealing the secret of the Dragon Seal Scroll. If the scroll had reappeared, it meant a coup was imminent in Tianqi. Xiao Se regretted that Ye Xiaoying shared his goals but differed in approach. That night, Ye Ruoyi returned home to see her father practicing calligraphy.

The character “forbearance” stood out prominently, raising her suspicions. Ye Xiaoying began recounting his time with Lord Langya—from their first meeting to battles fought together—and the injustice that befell Lord Langya. Every time he mentioned it, his gaze grew heavy with sorrow. To protect Ye Xiaoying, Lord Langya suddenly accused him of negligence in command and took away his military seal. Ming Dedi spared Ye Xiaoying’s life to prevent mutiny.

People believed Ye Xiaoying bore a grudge against Ming Dedi and refrained from acting out of fear. But Ye Xiaoying had swallowed his resentment for years, hoping one day to restore Lord Langya’s name. Though Ye Xiaoying admired Xiao Se, he knew that Xiao Se and Lord Langya were cut from the same cloth—capable and bold, but not ruthless enough. Ye Xiaoying believed that to reverse the case, one must become emperor. Otherwise, it would be rebellion.

Ye Ruoyi disagreed with her father and moved out of the General’s Manor to Yong’an Royal Residence, informing Xiao Se of her father’s plan. Xiao Se was shocked. His greatest fear was about to come true. Ye Xiaoying would soon gather the Langya Army and ally with Xiao Lingchen to launch a rebellion.

When hundreds of thousands of ironclad troops swept across the land toward Tianqi, countless civilians would suffer, and the surrounding states of Beili would seize the opportunity to strike. As for why the Dragon Seal Scroll had suddenly resurfaced, and what benefit Xiao Lingchen’s enthronement might bring to Xiao Yu, Xiao Se still couldn't figure it out. But he knew it was a trap.

Ye Xiaoying might have sensed it too, but he was so confident in himself that he believed he could turn the trap against its makers. Because the matter was so critical, Xiao Se immediately found Xiao Yueli and revealed everything. The Central Army of Wang Li, independent of the three main forces and solely responsible for defending the imperial city, would become part of the Langya Army once Xiao Lingchen arrived.

With 200,000 Langya troops attacking Tianqi and only 30,000 soldiers defending it, winning would be a fantasy. Xiao Se revealed that on his way back to Tianqi, he had been intercepted by soldiers and believed someone within the Xiao imperial family was colluding with Xiao Lingchen. He came to Xiao Yueli to plan a countermeasure.

For a time, all forces assembled. Though the flames of war had not yet reached, one could already see the battle stretching for a thousand miles. Ye Xiaoying led his former troops to rendezvous with Xiao Lingchen, setting off for Beili. Along the way, they were not intercepted by any military forces. The grand army of Langya swept forth majestically, riding into Tianqi City and heading straight for the Tai’an Palace. Military reports quickly spread.

Coincidentally, Ming Dedi had collapsed into a coma due to illness. Xiao Se felt like a trapped beast, caught in a situation difficult to escape. The most urgent matter was to send Ji Xue to persuade Xiao Lingchen. At that moment, the army was encamped outside the city for rest, with only one bonfire resembling a signal fire. Nearby stood a familiar figure. After many years apart, Xiao Lingchen still could not forget Ji Xue.

As for Ji Xue’s purpose, he firmly rejected it, showing no wavering in his intention to raise troops. In truth, when Xiao Lingchen was young, he bore no trace of royal nobility—full of a rough, unruly spirit. Even Xiao Yu and Long Xie found him unforgettable. Yet it was this young prince who would soon arrive at Tianqi and plunge the world into chaos.

Jin Yan had already gathered signatures from all officials in a handwritten petition welcoming him, and had even personally summoned Grand Eunuch Zhuo Xin. This man was once the Seal-Holding Overseer among the Five Great Overseers, and a witness to the Dragon Edict Scroll in the past. Now, he had become a key figure in Xiao Lingchen’s bid for the throne.

The Royal Decree to Suppress Chaos had been issued, but it would take three days for the two armies to reach Tianqi—too late to provide reinforcements. Still, Xiao Se had yet to summon the Wang Li Tian Army, leaving Xiao Yueli anxious but forced to trust his judgment for now. Cang Ming speculated that Xiao Se and Xiao Lingchen might have joined forces, attacking the city with 200,000 troops to clear Lord Langya’s name.

Xiao Chong immediately dismissed this, knowing Xiao Se's character too well—he would never sacrifice innocent civilians, as staining his hands with even a drop of unjust blood would tarnish Lord Langya’s name. Sikong Qianluo played Go with Xiao Se and suffered repeated defeats. Xiao Se pondered his strategy until Ji Xue arrived with Xiao Lingchen’s message, finally helping him find a critical turning move—revival from a dead end.

Ye Ruoyi, on Xiao Se’s behalf, informed Xiao Yueli to lead the Wang Li Tian Army out of the city, while further arrangements would follow. Xiao Yu waited for the army’s entry, firmly believing Wu Xin would protect him from all harm. Just two days later, the horns of Tianqi City sounded. The people panicked and fled as if facing a dire enemy.

Ye Xiaoying had expected a bloody battle, but to his surprise, the city gates opened wide, making him suspect a trap. Both the White King’s Manor and the Red King’s Manor had their own plans. Hua Jin prepared to face death, while Mu Chunfeng revealed that Xiao Se had found her a hiding place. Hearing the horns, Ming Dedi awoke and forced his sickly body out of the hall.

All the imperial guards had assembled, including the elite Tiger Ben soldiers. Xiao Se, Xiao Chong, and others stood at the forefront. After entering the city, Xiao Lingchen first went to the ancestral temple to pay respects to his father. As he was leaving, he encountered Qi Tianchen. Despite all of Qi Tianchen’s efforts to dissuade him, he could not change Xiao Lingchen’s mind.

Up to this point, Ming Dedi still held a shred of hope for Xiao Lingchen, wishing Xiao Se would remember the greater good and persuade him, so that the grudges of the previous generation would not continue. Xiao Yu accused Xiao Se of sending Xiao Yueli out and not returning, implying collusion with Xiao Lingchen in a rebellion.

But Xiao Se countered—did Xiao Yu really want to see the Langya Army and the Beili Tian Army engage in a bloody battle, just to benefit himself? Just as the two confronted each other, the palace gates slowly opened. A young man in crimson armor, holding a blood-dragon spear, led the army in—his demeanor no less imposing than the Lord of Langya in his prime. Xiao Chong angrily denounced Xiao Lingchen as a traitor.

At that moment, Grand Eunuch Zhuo Xin arrived on horseback and publicly raised the Dragon Edict Scroll, loudly declaring the deposition of Ming Dedi and the enthronement of a new emperor. Zhuo Xin revealed that the late emperor had intended to pass the throne to Lord Langya, Xiao Ruofeng, but was betrayed and overthrown by Ming Dedi, Xiao Ruojin, who forced Lord Langya to tear up the Dragon Edict Scroll.

As the Seal-Holding Overseer, Zhuo Xin had long endured humiliation under imperial orders, all for this moment—to declare Xiao Lingchen’s rightful succession to the throne. His words shocked everyone present. The Langya Army immediately stood up, eyes cold and determined, seemingly ready to shed blood in the palace. Bloodshed could lead to the throne and a change in dynasty.

Yet Xiao Lingchen glanced at the scroll and then tore it to shreds, thrusting his spear toward Zhuo Xin, declaring that the Xiao clan’s imperial line would never be decided by a eunuch. In an instant, silence fell around them. Everyone’s expressions became unreadable. Sensing danger, Jin Yan quickly fled. Xiao Lingchen leapt to Xiao Se’s side, resuming his former playful manner. Clearly, he had fulfilled his duty as the son of Lord Langya—avenging treachery and protecting Beili on behalf of the Xiao clan.

Jin Wei, seizing a moment of distraction, suddenly drew his sword and struck at Xiao Lingchen, only to be stopped by Jin Xian. But he was unwilling to let go, insisting the Dragon Edict Scroll bore Lord Langya’s name. He could not believe the Lord’s son was such a disappointment, unworthy of their master’s trust.

Thus, Jin Wei did not hesitate to take his own life, revealing before his death that neither he nor Jin Yan had killed Jin Yu—implying another cause. With those last words, Jin Wei died, eyes closed. Throughout it all, Ye Xiaoying had suppressed his rage. He now drew his blade, and at his command, the entire army aimed their weapons at the Tai’an Palace—targeting both Ming Dedi and the Xiao princes.

Lei Wujie appeared just in time, one man and one sword blocking a thousand troops. Xiao Lingchen and Xiao Se stood beside him, loudly pleading with the Langya Army to retreat. Ming Dedi, witnessing this scene and hearing Ye Xiaoying’s grief-filled words, ultimately ordered Xiao Se to declare the imperial edict, admitting that the rebellion charges against Lord Langya were a complete misjudgment.

In light of justice served and old grievances righted, Ming Dedi posthumously honored Lord Langya with the title “Da” and allowed his return to the ancestral temple. Xiao Lingchen inherited the title of prince and was appointed General Xuanwu, authorized to summon the old Langya Army and command forces independent of imperial oversight. It was because Ming Dedi once trusted slanderous words and wrongly killed his beloved brother that he decided to visit the ancestral temple every three days.

When Xiao Se finished reciting the edict in full, Ming Dedi’s frail body could no longer hold out—he collapsed in a coma. Meanwhile, Ye Ruoyi and Xiao Yueli intercepted two loyalist armies outside the city—each move precisely as Xiao Se had planned. In the spring of Mingde Year 22, Ming Dedi issued a self-reproach edict, restoring Lord Langya’s honor and punishing himself. The rebellion, later known as the “Langya Coup,” ended with General Ye Xiaoying's withdrawal.

Xiao Lingchen claimed that his father had deliberately tarnished his own name to enter prison, and that the chaos in Tianqi was pre-planned by both father and son to preserve national peace and quell rebellion. With the Langya Coup concluded, Ye Xiaoying returned to the General’s Manor, aged significantly overnight. Ming Dedi did not punish him, out of fear of his military power.

However, the court could no longer tolerate him, so Ye Xiaoying repeatedly instructed his daughter and prepared to resign and retire next month. In the Tai’an Palace, Ming Dedi sat on the throne, with Xiao Lingchen and Xiao Se standing below. As the emperor expressed his emotions, Xiao Lingchen unceremoniously accused him of hypocrisy. The Dragon Edict Scroll had offered another solution, but he would rather watch Lord Langya die than punish traitorous ministers.

Ming Dedi had known that such a move would risk instability and threaten his throne—even endanger the entire city. Just because Xiao Lingchen did not rebel didn’t mean he forgave the emperor. To him, be it the world or the nation, the throne was nothing. As for who Ming Dedi should choose as emperor, Xiao Lingchen mockingly said that if the emperor hated a certain prince so much, he should just give the position to him.

After all, anyone who ascends the throne is doomed to be alone. After Xiao Lingchen left, Xiao Se finally voiced what he had long buried in his heart. He exposed that the reason Ming Dedi killed Lord Langya might not have been because of circumstance, but because he feared Lord Langya’s rising power. As expected, Ming Dedi’s expression changed, admitting that he was merely a puppet bound to the throne. The Red King, Xiao Yu, remained ambitious.

Soon, the entire city was on high alert, and all forces secretly searched for Jin Yan—because he held the signed petition from the officials, a document as powerful as the Dragon Edict Scroll. Xiao Se had to get it first; otherwise, if it fell into Xiao Yu’s hands, he would use it to force officials into serving him. As Xiao Se had predicted, Jin Yan secretly slipped into Jin Xian’s residence—only Jin Xian could protect him.

Meanwhile, Jin Xuan wanted nothing more than to silence Jin Yan permanently. As the two conversed, the White King, Xiao Chong, suddenly arrived, deliberately revealing to Jin Xian that he had taken over the Grand Court's investigation of the officials’ petition. Xiao Se immediately learned of Xiao Chong’s movements. Ji Xue rushed to the Yong'an Marquis Residence, saying that Xiao Chong intended to hand Jin Yan over to Baixiao Hall, and hoped Baixiao Hall would intervene for protection.

Currently, from the Xiao royal family down to thirty-seven officials, all have dispatched deathsworn to search for Jin Yan. Jin Xian, knowing she could no longer protect Jin Yan, brought him to the Baixiao Hall, hoping they could offer protection. However, with the entire city pursuing him, even if Baixiao Hall mobilized everyone, the chances were only seventy percent.

Therefore, at Jin Xian’s request, Baixiao Hall prepared to convene the Sanyan Council, inviting Lord Bai, Xiao Chong, and Lord Chi, Xiao Yu. As for Prince Yong’an, Xiao Se, Jin Yan believed he had no reason to protect him—unaware that Xiao Se was actually the one who truly could, because he represented Ming Dedi. Soon, Baixiao Hall established the Sanyan Council at Qianjin Terrace.

Xiao Yu was the first to enter the room, where Jin Xian and Ji Xue were seated, and Jin Yan was hidden behind a screen. Xiao Yu remained ninety percent confident and hinted that as long as Jin Yan handed over the letter, he could still maintain power and influence for the rest of his life. However, wealth comes with danger—how long he could survive depended on his fate.

Shortly after, Xiao Chong arrived alone, promising that if Jin Yan surrendered the letter, gave up all martial arts, and entered the Celestial Prison, he would not be mistreated. There would still be hope to live on; if the new emperor married or a natural disaster struck, a general amnesty could restore his freedom. As he departed, Xiao Chong emphasized that no one in Tianqi City could be more trustworthy than him, and there was no better option.

If Jin Yan chose someone else, he would dispatch the Court of Judicial Review to hunt him down to the ends of the earth. Because of Xiao Chong’s words, Jin Xian fell silent for a moment and then suggested Jin Yan should choose Lord Bai. After all, it only meant losing martial skills and some years of freedom—after release, he could still live freely.

But Xiao Yu had already figured out Jin Yan’s character and was certain that he could not bear to part with power, and would surely choose him. Just then, Xiao Se appeared with Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo, declaring that Xiao Chong and Xiao Yu were gambling at a table, and he had come to overturn the table. Xiao Se presented a personal pardon decree issued by Ming Dedi, guaranteeing Jin Yan’s absolute safety and immunity from pursuit.

Jin Yan made a decisive choice. Xiao Yu flew into a powerless rage, while Xiao Chong had no choice but to admit that Xiao Se always thought one step ahead of him. According to Baixiao Hall’s rules, all unrelated persons had to leave Qianjin Terrace and were not to approach for a while. That night, Xiao Se personally came to escort Jin Yan and Jin Xian to the palace, with Lei Wujie and Sikong Qianluo responsible for their protection.

Along the way, ghosts and monsters prowled the streets; blades lay in ambush on Songyu Street, already drawn. When the King of Killers, Li Tian, blocked the carriage, everyone realized that Grand Preceptor Dong Zhu was on the treason list. Jin Xian leapt from the carriage and, together with Sikong Qianluo, carved a bloody path for it. But just after Xiao Se had driven the carriage a short distance, the eunuch Jin Xuan blocked the road.

Jin Xian arrived in time to help Xiao Se, and learned that Jin Xuan was the one who had killed Jin Yu. Despite Jin Xian's exceptional swordsmanship, she still could not defeat Xu Huai Gong, and Xiao Se gradually fell into disadvantage as well. At the critical moment, Li Changqing led palace guards to deliver an imperial decree, summoning Xiao Se to the palace, with others to accompany him.

Jin Xuan felt a chill—this conspiracy involving the entire court’s civil and military officials had come to its end. Upon arrival at the palace, Jin Yan personally presented a letter signed by all the officials. Ming Dedi promised not to execute Jin Yan and handed him over to Jin Xian’s custody. Then, he threw the letter into the brazier and burned it. Many of the signatories were powerful ministers.

Ming Dedi knew most had no intent to rebel, only that they believed the old emperor should abdicate in favor of the capable—after all, Beili belonged to the Xiao clan, not Xiao Ruojin. This incident served as a veiled warning to the officials: anyone harboring ill intentions would only meet death. Xiao Se accused Jin Xuan of defying imperial orders and blocking the carriage, but Jin Xuan falsely claimed he did so to rescue Jin Yan.

Jin Xuan, as Ming Dedi’s companion since childhood, held deep affection with him. Even though Ming Dedi knew he was in the wrong, he only ordered him confined. Both Xiao Se and Xiao Chong understood this well. Xiao Se never expected to bring Jin Xuan down today. After everyone left, Ming Dedi kept Hua Jin behind alone and made a request: that she use her medical skills to help him live a few more days. Now, Ming Dedi cherished every scene he could witness—but Tianqi City was still unstable, with storms brewing, and much remained to be done.

The storms in Tianqi City had not ceased—exactly as Xiao Se anticipated. Jin Xuan was placed under confinement by Ming Dedi, but he was ultimately just a eunuch and could not stir up much within the court. However, for Xiao Yu, it was equivalent to severing the arm of the Lord Chi’s residence. Now, the Ghost Doctor Night Raven had turned Yue Ji and Wu Xin into living medicine puppets.

Xiao Yu was eager to witness Xiao Se killed by a friend with his own eyes. After seeing Ming Dedi, Hua Jin was deeply troubled. She had previously discovered that the emperor's illness was caused by poisoned lamp oil. But if the culprit was not found, similar incidents could still occur. The next morning, Mu Chunfeng arrived at Prince Yong’an’s residence, delivering the antidote from Hua Jin to Xiao Se. Whether it could truly cure Wu Xin’s condition remained uncertain.

Xiao Se, hiding it from Ye Ruoyi and Sikong Qianluo, took Lei Wujie to secretly meet Su Muyu, planning to join forces against Su Changhe and infiltrate the Lord Chi’s residence to rescue Wu Xin. Though Su Muyu was a killer from Dark River, he was entirely different from typical assassins. Most of the time, he was like a swordsman of emotion, loyalty, and humanity—something Su Changhe could never match.

Back when Su Changhe became the patriarch of Dark River, he vowed to lead the clan into the light. But after aligning with Xiao Yu, his actions betrayed that goal, causing Dark River to spiral toward destruction. So when facing Xiao Se’s invitation, Su Muyu had no choice but to agree—knowing it was the only option left.

Prince Nanjue, Ao Yu, sent word to Lord Chi’s residence, informing them that the envoy would arrive in Tianqi that evening and had arranged a meeting at the remote Liuxian Tower. Xiao Yu, though cautious, could not know it was all part of Xiao Se’s plan. Xiao Chong lamented with Cang Ming that things seemed calm on the surface but were filled with undercurrents.

Sensing Xiao Chong’s heavy mood, Cang Ming quickly changed the topic, mentioning that tonight was the Lantern Festival, and the entire city would be beautifully lit. Lei Wujie returned to the manor and was teased by Ye Ruoyi. She smiled softly and then invited Sikong Qianluo to admire the lanterns.

Since Xiao Se had to enter the palace to meet the emperor and could not accompany them to the festival, Sikong Qianluo was visibly disappointed and complained endlessly—until she turned and found Xiao Se standing beside her. Surprisingly generous, he had reserved the entire lantern stall for Sikong Qianluo. Meanwhile, Ye Ruoyi and Lei Wujie wandered nearby. Compared to Xiao Se’s dull demeanor, Lei Wujie chattered nonstop.

Ye Ruoyi learned that Lei Wujie planned to travel after the chaos in Tianqi ended and couldn’t help but suggest joining him. Lei Wujie readily agreed. The four of them gathered on the bridge to enjoy the view. Xiao Se noticed Su Muyu standing under the bridge and, as Ye Ruoyi and Sikong Qianluo released lanterns into the river, called Lei Wujie to set off.

At the same time, Fairy Rui gazed at the lanterns, reminiscing about her past with Tang Lian. Years ago, she entered Xueyue City to repay Sikong Changfeng. He had promised that if she found someone she loved and married, she could regain her freedom. But now she and Tang Lian were separated by life and death. Just as she mourned in sorrow, she suddenly received word of Xiao Yu’s movements.

A group of assassins lay in ambush, waiting for the Lord Chi’s carriage to pass so they could lure out Su Changhe. Xiao Se, Su Muyu, and Lei Wujie joined forces, but still couldn’t overcome the enemy. Fei Xuan and Li Fansong arrived just in time to aid Su Muyu. In the end, Su Changhe was wounded by Fairy Rui’s Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needles. Realizing his mistakes at the moment of death, he died under Su Muyu’s hand.

Xiao Se rushed to the Lord Chi’s residence. Upon learning of this, Xiao Chong immediately notified Sikong Qianluo and Ye Ruoyi. Although Xiao Se found Yue Ji and Wu Xin there, Wu Xin had completely lost his mind. Xiao Se called out Wu Xin’s name, and Wu Xin regained clarity for a brief moment before falling under the control of the Ghost Doctor Night Raven again.

Lord Chi, Xiao Yu, returned just in time and ordered that Xiao Se must not leave alive. But before Wu Xin could act, Sikong Qianluo and Xiao Chong descended from above. Xiao Chong stood firm and warned that if Wu Xin attacked, Xiao Yu would be charged with killing two royal princes. Sure enough, Xiao Yu hesitated, afraid of implicating himself, and could only watch as Xiao Chong and the others left. Furious but helpless, he could find no outlet for his rage—luckily, Xiao Se was not seriously injured.

Although Sikong Qianluo blamed Xiao Se for acting on his own, she knew he did it to protect her, and thinking this way, her anger subsided considerably. Xiao Se said that once the storm passed, Sikong Qianluo could return to Xueyue City. However, Sikong Qianluo had deeply fallen for Xiao Se and was willing to stay in Tianqi City. Upon hearing news of Su Changhe's death, Xiao Yu immediately sent word to Muliang City.

Not long after, Bai Xiaosheng received news that Luo Qingyang had set out for Tianqi. Among the Five Great Sword Immortals, Luo Qingyang ranks first, having reached the half-step Spirit Wandering realm. Likely, no one present would be his match. Rumor has it that Luo Qingyang harbors affection for the Declared Consort, which is not unfounded.

Likewise, Xiao Se speculated that his reason for coming to Tianqi with sword in hand was primarily due to the request of his adopted son Xiao Yu, and secondly, to take away the Declared Consort. However, while falling petals are intentional, flowing water is unfeeling. The Declared Consort remarried twice without choosing Luo Qingyang. As for what would happen this time, it was unclear. The pressing issue was to defend against Luo Qingyang’s assault.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chong sent a letter to Wushuang City, hoping that he and the Wrathful Sword Immortal could join forces and still have a fighting chance. Wushuang was ordered to rush to Tianqi, stopping by Xueyue City along the way for two matters: to gauge his strength with Sikong Changfeng, and to relay a message to Yin Luoxia from Song Yanhui.

Now that Song Yanhui had given up his pursuit of the Sword Immortal title and secluded himself in the sword hut behind Wushuang City, he hoped to rekindle his bond with Yin Luoxia. Upon hearing this, Luo Mingxuan grew furious and, in a moment of urgency, confessed his feelings to his master Yin Luoxia, shocking all the disciples present. Sikong Changfeng, however, remained calm, thinking it wasn’t wrong for a master and disciple to fall in love.

After scolding Luo Mingxuan, Yin Luoxia instructed Wushuang to reject Song Yanhui on her behalf. Since fate had been missed and the broken mirror couldn’t be mended, there was no need to hold on. That evening, Wushuang passed by a tavern and met Mu Yumou. They sat down and chatted, during which he learned about her complicated entanglements with Tang Lianyue. To Wushuang, this feared assassin leader was merely a Jianghu person caught in circumstances.

Mu Yumou admired the youth before her and uncharacteristically showed tenderness. Su Muyu entered from outside, ready to take her away. Wushuang invited them both to visit Wushuang City if they ever had the chance. Upon learning of Wushuang’s whereabouts, Tang Lianyue decided to go to Tianqi on behalf of Xueyue City. Several days later, Luo Qingyang arrived at Tianqi.

He looked up at the city gate, drew his long sword, and slashed down the plaque, heading straight for Qianjin Terrace, scaring Master Tu into fleeing. Since the founding of Beili, the Tianqi city plaque had only been struck down three times. The first was when the founding emperor Xiao Yi breached the city gates—his sword qi was so vast that one strike knocked it down.

The second was sixty years ago when the Sword Immortal Bai Yu saved a hostage disciple and cleaved the plaque as a warning. Now, Luo Qingyang followed suit and set up a challenge platform on Qianjin Terrace to ask Tianqi for a duel. Those four characters alone were enough to awe the crowd.

Li Changqing paced nervously outside the sleeping hall, asking Xiao Yueli and Qi Tianchen what could be done, but for now, they had to take things one step at a time. Ordinary swordsmen naturally dared not steal the spotlight—it was inevitably a duel between sword immortals. Just as Xie Xuan was stalling Luo Qingyang, the Wrathful Sword Immortal Yan Zhantian became the first to accept the challenge.

At that moment, the plaque of Prince Yong'an's Mansion was struck down by Luo Qingyang’s sword. Xiao Se stood at the door with a sigh, realizing Luo Qingyang had come for him. He had no choice but to take everyone to Qianjin Terrace, where he saw Xiao Yu observing from a second-floor window across the way.

Xie Xuan revealed Luo Qingyang’s intentions to Xiao Se: he would duel Tianqi for three days, and on the third day, take one person and kill another. The one to be taken was the Declared Consort; the one to be killed was Xiao Se. Thus, the Wrathful Sword Immortal likely accepted the challenge under Lord Bai Xiao Chong’s orders. Xiao Se had already guessed as much. Now it was just a matter of seeing the outcome in three days.

As they spoke, the Wrathful Sword Immortal had built up his momentum. A fierce wind swept through as he drew his sword and slashed at Luo Qingyang. Thunder seemed to rumble in the heavens. Luo Qingyang, however, still hadn’t drawn his Nine Songs Sword. He stood calmly within a small space, his expression indifferent. His sword moved gracefully and effortlessly, dissipating the oncoming sword qi into nothingness.

In the end, the Wrathful Sword Immortal was outmatched, and the outcome was clear. Xiao Chong rushed in from outside to check on the injured Wrathful Sword Immortal and ordered him taken back to the Bai Residence to rest. Seeing this, Lei Wujie wanted to challenge Luo Qingyang, but before he could finish his sentence, Wushuang appeared with his sword case on his back—he was Xiao Chong’s final trump card.

As twelve flying swords shot forth, Luo Qingyang showed an appreciative expression and marveled at such a rare talent in Wushuang City. But although Wushuang was a top genius of his generation, he was still far from being a match for Luo Qingyang. Thus, he was forced to summon the Grand Ming Vermilion Bird, drawing everyone’s attention. The Grand Ming Vermilion Bird and the twelve flying swords were forged by the Ghost Swordsmith and needed to be fed with blood.

Hence, the Grand Ming Vermilion Bird was also known as the Demon Sword, laden with murderous intent. Xiao Yu’s eyes sparkled, and he declared he would kill to take the sword. At that moment, Luo Qingyang suddenly drew his sword, and his techniques became intricate and sorrowful—this was his self-created ultimate technique of the Sorrowful Sword: the National Lament Sword Dance. Luo Qingyang had chosen Muliang City as his refuge precisely because of the unclaimed ghosts within.

Muliang City had once been a major western fortress, where one hundred thousand soldiers perished and were left unburied, their bodies weathered to dust over a hundred years. Inspired by this, Luo Qingyang created the Sword of National Lament. Wushuang stood no chance and was severely injured, coughing up blood.

Before anyone could react, they saw Wushuang sheathe his sword, gravely wounded and coughing blood. Luo Qingyang praised Wushuang as a promising youth, but his killing intent surged immediately after. Seeing this, Xiao Se swiftly stepped in, mocking Luo Qingyang for bullying the young despite being a Sword Immortal, and declared he would protect Wushuang’s life, asking to take him away from Qianjin Terrace first. Having won two brilliant matches in a row, Luo Qingyang’s morale and momentum soared.

Xiao Se had never been his match and would almost certainly die today. At this critical moment, Lei Wujie acted on impulse, launching a barrage of verbal attacks to distract Luo Qingyang, buying time by suggesting a rematch in three days. This completely undermined Luo Qingyang’s aura of a master seeking defeat. But the problem remained: Lei Wujie might escape today, but not the duel three days later.

That night, he rushed to the Bai Residence to consult Wu Xin, hoping to learn more about Luo Qingyang. Knowing oneself and one's enemy was the key to victory. However, Wu Xin’s description left Lei Wujie hopeless—he finally understood that a true expert could, with one sword stroke, create a world that trapped the opponent within, leaving no escape.

Xie Xuan advised Lei Wujie that every Sword Immortal had their own unique sword momentum, and to break it, one had to go against it. Lei Wujie thought hard and suddenly remembered that to break Luo Qingyang’s Sorrowful Sword Momentum, he had to hurl curses at him. Xiao Se and Wushuang were helpless, but Xie Xuan thought it might actually work.

He also suggested Lei Wujie go into seclusion for two days and cultivate sword intent like his mother, Li Xinyue—focusing on one pure sword, which might give him a sliver of hope. Ye Ruoyi, upon hearing that Lei Wujie still had a chance, felt a knot of anxiety deep down and hoped Xiao Se could persuade him to cancel the duel. Xiao Se believed that Lei Wujie, after all, was the younger brother of Li Hanyi.

The Five Great Sword Immortals had varying degrees of camaraderie; surely Luo Qingyang wouldn’t deliver a killing blow because of that. Now that Li Hanyi had returned to Xueyue City from the Sword Intent Tomb with 30% of her strength restored, she also heard that Yin Luoxia left Xueyue City due to a public confession from her disciple. Even Luo Mingxuan chased after her.

Though there had been romances between masters and disciples in Jianghu, it was still hard to accept. Li Hanyi felt that someone had to take the first step in love—but whether she meant Luo Mingxuan or Zhao Yuzhen was unclear. Due to recent internal unrest in Beili, Nan Jue took the opportunity to invade the borders, capturing three cities in just one day. Xiao Lingchen prepared to lead troops to the front lines, but before leaving, he visited Xiao Se.

As members of the Xiao clan, they were destined to shoulder the responsibility of defending the nation—one guarding the borders, the other securing Tianqi. Beili revered the sword, while Nan Jue revered the saber. Every young man in Beili harbored the dream of becoming a hero, roaming Jianghu in white robes with sword in hand. Xiao Se once had that dream too. Everyone knew he excelled with the Wuji Staff, but few knew his swordsmanship surpassed even that.

To defeat Luo Qingyang, Xiao Se could only think of one option—going to the Imperial Observatory to ask Qi Tianchen to open the Sword Vault for him and obtain the Heavenly Severing Sword. However, Qi Tianchen had been seriously injured on Penglai Island and couldn’t protect him. Fortunately, Sikong Qianluo appeared, willing to protect him so he could safely enter. With both Sikong Qianluo and Qi Tianchen as witnesses, Xiao Se unleashed the Nation-Splitting Sword Formation to subdue nine swords.

This technique had been passed down from the founding emperor Xiao Yi to the Xiao royal family. Vast and domineering, only those with great talent could learn it. The Nation-Splitting Sword Technique had four realms: Deathless, Windbreaker, Dragonshock, and another Windbreaker. Most people could never reach Deathless in a lifetime. The highest achiever in the past century had been Lord Langya Xiao Ruofeng. Even reaching Windbreaker didn’t guarantee entry into the chamber housing the Heavenly Severing Sword.

Xiao Se used nine swords to force open the sword chamber, only to fall into an illusion created by his inner demon when approaching the sword. In the illusion, Xiao Se saw his inner demon was Ming Dedi and killed him with a sword. But after that, he saw Lei Wujie and others slain by Luo Qingyang, and became trapped in emotional turmoil, unable to pass the trial.

The Sword Keeper offered him one more chance—to comprehend the will of the emperor. But Xiao Se ultimately chose to give up and returned to Sikong Qianluo’s side. Sikong Qianluo fought fiercely for three hours with her spear to protect Xiao Se. Though Xiao Se failed to obtain the sword, he finally understood that what emperors called “burdens” were actually the things that had accompanied him on his journey.

The Heavenly Severing Sword did not belong to Xiao Se, nor did he want to become another Ming Dedi. Even if it meant death, he would never back down and would rush ahead to protect those he cared about. The three-day period passed in the blink of an eye. Tang Ze took Tang Lian’s place as Xuanwu, and the newly reformed Four Guardians gathered again at Qianjin Terrace. Everyone else arrived on time, except Lei Wujie.

After a long wait, Prince Yong’an Xiao Se finally appeared to accept the challenge. With nine swords unleashed, he used the Nation-Splitting Sword Technique, breaking through from Windbreaker to Dragonshock, to face Luo Qingyang’s National Lament Sword. The dragon’s roar was deafening, the sword winds fierce, and it felt like thousands of heroes were mourning. Though everyone had seen the National Lament Sword Dance before, witnessing it again filled them with sorrow and despair.

Luo Qingyang’s sword sang as he advanced on Xiao Se, his gaze sharp as a blade. Just as everyone worried for Xiao Se, he suddenly shouted curses, and the sword momentum shattered. Furious and humiliated, Luo Qingyang unleashed the strongest strike of his Sorrowful Sword—“Rite to the Soul. ” As expected, Xiao Se was gravely injured and fell. Lei Wujie rushed into Qianjin Terrace to resist Luo Qingyang’s sword formation. Ji Xue, Tang Ze, and Sikong Qianluo all joined in, and the Four Guardians stood before Xiao Se, ready to fight to the death.

Inside the deep palace, Declared Consort, who had not stepped outside for many years, suddenly heard the voice of her senior brother, Luo Qingyang. Immediately after came Xiao Se’s loud shout of “I refuse to accept this! ”, his voice echoing throughout Tianqi City. Xiao Se channeled everything he had ever learned—Limitless Staff, Bagua Heart Gate, Cloud-Treading Wind-Stepping Technique, and the Sword Technique of Sundering Nations—and launched a frenzied attack at Luo Qingyang.

Luo Qingyang froze for a moment, then responded with an even fiercer assault, breaking all nine of Xiao Se’s swords, forcing him into a disadvantage. Just when everyone thought the outcome was decided, the Heaven-Slashing Sword broke through the window and shot toward the palace gate, its piercing whistle echoing through the entire Tianqi City, hovering above Xiao Se. “A sword from the west, passed down for a thousand years,” the world’s greatest sword drew awe from the crowd.

Xiao Se raised the longsword and saw a sky full of stars; behind it emerged mountains, rivers, and seas. Luo Qingyang vowed to embody heaven and earth and, with a swing of his sword, decided life and death. Suddenly, the mournful song ceased, the sorrowful wind stilled. Both Xiao Se and Luo Qingyang were gravely wounded.

Xiao Chong noticed Luo Qingyang’s unusual expression, and the others also saw signs of demonic possession—if true, it could mean the end of the entire city. Luo Qingyang, however, remained silent, and the Nine Songs Sword instantly flew out from the Qianjin Platform, heading straight for the palace in an attempt to assassinate Ming Dedi. Luckily, Qi Tianchen and Xiao Yueli joined forces to block it.

The young eunuch serving Ming Dedi, seeing the situation was dire, rushed out and shouted that the Emperor had died. Although Xiao Yueli caught him in time, the eunuch committed suicide with poison on the spot. Ming Dedi was critically wounded, barely alive. Mu Chunfeng comforted Hua Jin, believing there was still a sliver of hope.

Rumors of the Emperor’s death quickly spread, and everyone feared that if Luo Qingyang’s demonic possession intensified, he would lose his mind and kill everyone. Just as Luo Qingyang was about to swing his sword to destroy the city, Declared Consort’s voice rang out like thunder. The blood-red hue in Luo Qingyang’s eyes faded, replaced by a rare clarity. After Luo Qingyang left, Xiao Se collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Everyone hurriedly sent him back to Prince Yong’an’s residence.

Although the rumor of the Emperor’s death was false, the citizens of Tianqi City believed it. Xiao Yu’s next plan was to eliminate all threats and seize the throne. But both the Sword Immortal of Wrath and Wushuang were severely injured and could not guarantee Xiao Chong’s safety, advising him to make plans early. Xiao Chong, however, refused to abandon Tianqi City and had no interest in the throne.

Xiao Yueli earnestly pleaded with Hua Jin to at least keep Ming Dedi alive through the night, even if he couldn’t be healed. Hua Jin promised to do his best. Declared Consort left the palace to meet with Luo Qingyang and healed his wounds, agreeing to leave Tianqi with him—on the condition that they take her two sons, Xiao Yu and Wu Xin, with them.

Because Xiao Se was gravely wounded and unconscious with no sign of waking, Sikong Qianluo stayed by his bedside, pouring out her heart, reminiscing about the past with sorrow. Ji Xue was moved by her words and offered to treat Xiao Se, transferring all her internal energy to him. Meanwhile, Ye Ruoyi waited outside with Lei Wujie. The two shared mutual understanding and finally expressed their feelings for each other.

Xiao Yu brought Long Xie and Wu Xin to Prince Yong’an’s residence. Ye Ruoyi and the others could barely resist. Wu Xin had lost all reason, becoming a killing machine and severely injuring Sikong Qianluo. Ordinary medicine men still have weaknesses, but Wu Xin, who was raised in a monastery with compassion in his heart, became a Golden-Body Medicine Man upon falling into demonic possession—virtually invincible.

It was precisely because of this that Xiao Se, watching Wu Xin’s martial techniques, pondered why someone like Wu Xin—so good at reading hearts—would fail and become a medicine man. With his skills, he should have easily escaped—unless someone he trusted had already prepared a way out for him. Realizing this, Xiao Se quickly reminded Lei Wujie to use the Invincible Demon-Suppressing Divine Fist. As expected, the righteous power of the fist suppressed Wu Xin’s demonic energy.

Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Se approached Wu Xin and repeatedly urged him to look into his eyes. Images of the past emerged in Wu Xin’s mind, and with these memories, his consciousness was awakened. Wu Xin’s shattered gaze regained clarity, just like the once peerless and enchanting monk he had been. Xiao Se was both joyful and relieved. Yet, at this moment, Xiao Yu still refused to admit defeat. Just then, Luo Qingyang descended from the sky with Declared Consort.

Lei Wujie was on the verge of tears, too exhausted to continue fighting. Everyone knew Xiao Yu was ruthless and cunning, willing to use any means to achieve his ends. But no one expected him to poison Declared Consort and turn her into a medicine person to blackmail Luo Qingyang and Wu Xin into submission. Wu Xin saw through Xiao Yu’s scheme and easily expelled the poison and parasite from Declared Consort’s body.

Seeing this, Luo Qingyang was filled with killing intent and attempted to kill Xiao Yu, but was stopped by Declared Consort. Xiao Yu always believed that Declared Consort was never a good mother and didn’t care about his feelings. Luo Qingyang furiously scolded Xiao Yu for his rebellious actions and revealed the truth about the two times Declared Consort was trapped in the palace.

Xiao Se, moved and envious of the bond between Xiao Yu and Declared Consort, regretted that Xiao Yu hadn’t cherished it. He made it clear he would not let Xiao Yu go unpunished for his past misdeeds. After learning the truth, Xiao Yu realized he had no way out. Without hesitation, he stabbed himself in the chest with a dagger. Even in death, his face showed defiance and stubbornness. At that moment, snowflakes began to fall.

Xiao Se recalled a snowy night years ago when a young Xiao Yu knelt outside, often mocked by the princes because of rumors about his mother, always losing to Xiao Se and ending up in second place. Even when Xiao Se showed kindness, he never appreciated it and vowed that he would surpass him one day.

Snow fell heavily, corpses littered the streets. Xiao Chong stood on the long street with sword in hand, under a blood-red moon, finally returning to peace and settling the dust. In the palace bedchamber, Hua Jin stayed by Ming Dedi’s side, caring for him meticulously until he awoke. Though pale, his eyes still radiated regal authority. Now that the turmoil in Tianqi City had subsided, the ghost doctor Night Crow was brought to justice, and Lord Chi’s residence was sealed.

After healing Yue Ji, Wu Xin sent her to Hanshui Temple to reunite with Ming Hou. It was time for him to say farewell and return to the Tianwaitian Sect. Before leaving, Wu Xin asked Xiao Se if he had made up his mind about becoming emperor. He reminded him that if he was uncertain, he should try sitting on the throne—the feeling in that moment would give him the answer.

After Wu Xin left, Luo Qingyang also departed Tianqi with Declared Consort. Xiao Se entered the palace to meet with Ming Dedi, who sat in the high seat, eyes sharp and energetic—perhaps a final burst of life. Ming Dedi lifted the ban on Jin Xuan and asked Xiao Se to spare him. As for Hua Jin’s life-saving act, he rewarded her with ten thousand taels of gold and two houses in the Tianqi Pharmacy Bureau.

Mu Chunfeng, for his service, was granted a snow pine longship named Spring Breeze. Ming Dedi understood clearly that Mu Chunfeng’s father was highly ambitious. Allowing Mu Chunfeng to assist Xiao Se in Tianqi was because he believed Xiao Se would one day become emperor. Compared to the throne Ming Dedi had seized, Xiao Se was chosen by fate. Thus, he left behind two imperial scrolls, one each for Xiao Se and Jin Xuan.

Xiao Se unrolled the dragon-seal scroll in public and was stunned to see Xiao Chong’s name written on it. Ming Dedi dismissed everyone and spoke with Xiao Se as a father would with a son, reminiscing about the past—those fleeting warm moments were deeply treasured by Xiao Se. Ming Dedi wished to arrange a marriage for him, thinking first of Ye Xiaoying’s daughter, Ye Ruoyi.

But Xiao Se said he already had someone he loved—Sikong Qianluo, daughter of the Vermilion Bird Envoy. Though Ming Dedi considered Sikong Qianluo a fine girl, he still harbored unease about people of the martial world. He thought of Declared Consort and felt guilty toward Lord Langya. In that instant, Ming Dedi seemed to age a decade. As he slowly spoke Lord Langya’s name, Xiao Se froze where he stood, and the scroll slipped from his hand.

In the winter of the 23rd year of Ming Dedi’s reign, he passed away in his sleep at the age of 57. That same day, the Langya Army was defeated at the border, losing nineteen cities in succession—urgent alarms sounded across 900 li. For days, snow fell without pause. Against Lord Bai’s objections, Xiao Se insisted on leading a large army to the front to support the Langya Army.

Just after Xiao Se left, Jin Xuan suddenly arrived at Lord Bai’s residence and presented the dragon-seal scroll, urging Xiao Chong to seize the opportunity while Xiao Se was away from Tianqi to ascend the throne. He warned that when Xiao Se returned, he would have military achievements and might claim the throne himself. Xiao Chong rejected Jin Xuan’s proposal.

With a single order, Jin Yan, Xie Xuan, the Sword Immortal of Wrath, and Wushuang entered, and Jin Xuan—whose schemes were endless—ultimately suffered the consequences. That night, Xiao Chong sat alone in the study and opened the scroll, staring at the name on it until dawn. Soon, Xiao Se returned triumphant with his army, greeted with grandeur by all civil and military officials—no less than the welcome once given to Lord Langya.

Xiao Chong knew well that Xiao Se’s triumphant return meant a new emperor was about to ascend the throne. He and Xiao Yueli had been waiting in the main hall for a long time. The officials assumed Xiao Se would naturally be the new emperor and bowed in unison. Yet Xiao Se did not allow them to rise, declaring that he had one final announcement.

After sitting on the throne and contemplating briefly, he handed the dragon-seal scroll to Xiao Yueli to read aloud, declaring that Ming Dedi’s final decree passed the throne to Lord Bai, Xiao Chong. The ministers were shocked—even Xiao Chong found it hard to believe. Xiao Se gave him a slight bow and walked away without hesitation, showing no attachment to the throne. When Xiao Yueli heard the ministers praising Xiao Se, he scoffed that they had too little vision.

Xiao Se decided to continue roaming the martial world with Lei Wujie, Ye Ruoyi, and Sikong Qianluo. Xie Xuan, Ji Xue, Li Fansong, and others came to see them off. Master Tu was overjoyed to receive Prince Yong’an’s residence. Though the residence was grand, in Xiao Se’s heart, it couldn’t compare to Snowfall Villa at the frontier. As Xiao Se bid farewell, the Sword Immortal of Wrath arrived on behalf of Xiao Chong to deliver a dragon-seal scroll.

It turned out the scroll Ming Dedi gave Xiao Se had Xiao Chong’s name, while the one entrusted to Jin Xuan bore Xiao Se’s. This was to prevent the two sons from repeating old mistakes—for only one who can let go of the throne is a true ruler. Xiao Se laughed, saying his father was cunning indeed. Then he destroyed the scroll and rode away with Lei Wujie and the others. The four of them gallantly rode off on horseback.

In the 23rd year of Ming Dedi’s reign, after three months without an emperor, Xiao Chong, second son of the late emperor, ascended the throne. He named the new era Chonghe. In the first year of Chonghe, spring bloomed once again.

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